Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested on Sunday that he is still ready to sign the key minerals deal between his country and the United States after the deal fell through last week.
Speaking with British media while in the United Kingdom for a defense summit, Zelensky pointed to his previous commitment of signing the deal, which was left unsigned after he was booted from the White House following a fiery exchange with President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
“It is our policy to continue what happened in the past, we’re constructive. If we agreed to sign the minerals deal, we’re ready to sign it,” the Ukrainian president said.
Zelensky also expressed confidence that the U.S. would be ready to return to the deal, but stressed that he wants a “constructive dialogue” and for the “Ukrainian position to be heard.”
Shortly after the tumultuous meeting on Friday in the Oval Office, Trump made clear that Zelensky should only come back to the negotiating table “when he is ready for Peace.”
“I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations. I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace,” Trump said in a statement.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who was also in the Oval Office at the time, echoed Trump’s earlier statement on Sunday morning and went so far as to point out the futility of an economic agreement if the fighting in Ukraine continues.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
“What’s the use in having an economic agreement that’s going to be rendered moot if he wants the fighting to continue? President Trump wants a peace deal,” Bessent said.
He concluded by saying Zelensky chose to “blow that [the minerals deal] up” and that as of now it is off the table.
