By Joke Kujenya
THE UKRANIAN leader, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed his readiness to sign the deal on Sunday, addressing reporters following a high-level summit in the United Kingdom (UK).
He disclosed that his push for a minerals agreement with the United States remains on course.
The agreement, centred on the exploitation of Ukraine’s vast mineral reserves, was intended to be a key step in post-war economic recovery.
However, tense discussions at the White House on Friday saw the deal stall after an openly confrontational exchange between both leaders.
President Donald Trump, posting on his Truth Social platform, stated that Zelenskyy was “not ready for peace” if US involvement continued, arguing that American support gave Ukraine an upper hand in negotiations.
Zelenskyy, however, dismissed that claim, insisting Ukraine remains committed to finalising the agreement.
“The deal is on the table, and we are ready to sign it if all parties are prepared,” he told UK media.
The Ukrainian leader also reiterated that any agreement must come with concrete security guarantees to deter further Russian aggression.
Sources familiar with the negotiation process revealed that Washington is seeking a 50% cut of revenues generated from Ukraine’s mineral and natural resources, a move justified by US officials as repayment for previous military assistance.
According to the proposal, these proceeds would be allocated to a fund aimed at enhancing Ukraine’s security and economic stability.
Trump demanded greater acknowledgment of US support, stating that Ukraine would have fallen to Russia without American assistance.
“You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out,” he warned, adding that if the US withdrew its support, Ukraine would struggle to sustain its fight against Russia.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later suggested the Ukrainian leader had “thrown off the sequencing” of negotiations, insisting that discussions on minerals should have been contingent on a peace settlement.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s European allies moved swiftly to show solidarity with Zelenskyy.
At a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, European leaders pledged to bolster security spending and coordinate a diplomatic push for peace.
Starmer announced plans to assemble a “coalition of the willing” to draft a comprehensive truce proposal.
French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking after the summit, confirmed that France and the UK are considering a temporary one-month ceasefire initiative with Russia.
“This is a decisive moment in history. It’s not a time for more discussions but for action,” Starmer said, urging swift international efforts towards an enduring peace agreement.
Zelensky should stop listening to those urging him to continue the war that is fast destroying his country.
He can never win a direct war with his Russian neighbor. The West is not sincere with him. The earlier he seeks for lasting peace and forget his NATO membership. WW3 should be avoided at all costs