Ukraine remains prepared to finalize a minerals agreement with the United States, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy told the BBC late on Sunday before departing from London.
Speaking to the BBC, Zelenskyy claimed that Ukraine remained constructive and was ready to sign the agreement when all parties were prepared. The economic agreement, initially scheduled for signing in Washington on February 28, failed to materialize.
A verbal confrontation reportedly occurred between President Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump, alongside the US Vice President, during a public press event ahead of the scheduled negotiations at the White House. Following the dispute, Zelenskyy left the White House without further discussions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant told CBS News on Sunday that signing an agreement with Ukraine was not currently being considered. According to Besant, the agreement would be meaningless if President Zelenskyy remained committed to prolonging the conflict. He stated that the only action expected from Zelenskyy last week was signing the agreement, but instead, “everything was ruined.”
Meanwhile, European leaders gathered in London on Sunday to discuss ongoing support for Ukraine and European security alongside President Zelenskyy. The summit was attended by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Turkey’s Foreign Minister, as well as leaders from the European Union and NATO.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized that while the war continued, military assistance to Ukraine will persist, and economic pressure on Russia will intensify. The summit participants expressed a shared position that Ukraine must be involved in negotiations and that any lasting peace must guarantee Ukraine’s sovereignty and security.
Following the London summit, Zelenskyy posted on social media, highlighting the strong support for Ukraine and the collective effort to establish a solid foundation for cooperation with the United States. According to him, discussions with international partners continue regarding security guarantees for Ukraine and the conditions for a just peace, with crucial meetings and decisions expected in the near future.
