Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky says he still wants US minerals deal after explosive Trump talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his country is still interested in a deal to share mineral rights with the United States — after leaving the White House without signing an agreement following an explosive blowup with President Trump in the Oval Office Friday.

Trump demanded a share of Ukraine’s rich mineral deposits, as recompense for the more than $175 billion the United States has given to the country in military and civilian aid since the 2022 Russian invasion.

“We are ready to sign the minerals agreement, and it will be the first step toward security guarantees,” Zelensky said in a lengthy statement on social media Saturday morning. “But it’s not enough, and we need more than just that. A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine. We’ve been fighting for three years, and Ukrainian people need to know that America is on our side.”

Zelensky — who was chided by Vice President Vance during the Oval Office meeting as being ungrateful for U.S. support during the war — also offered effusive thanks for the United States’ robust military and financial support since the war began.

“We are very grateful to the United States for all the support. I’m thankful to President Trump, Congress for their bipartisan support, and American people. Ukrainians have always appreciated this support, especially during these three years of full-scale invasion,” Zelensky said.

“America’s help has been vital in helping us survive, and I want to acknowledge that. Despite the tough dialogue, we remain strategic partners.”

Much of the rest of his statement focused on points Zelensky made Friday, with the Ukrainian leader reiterating that Russia’s Vladimir Putin could not be trusted.

“A ceasefire won’t work with Putin. He has broken ceasefires 25 times over the last 10 years. A real peace is the only solution,” he said. “I cannot change Ukraine’s position on Russia. The Russians are killing us. Russia is the enemy, and that’s the reality we face. Ukraine wants peace, but it must be a just and lasting peace.”

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said Saturday he spoke to Zelensky twice since the White House meeting, and urged him to try and find a way forward with Trump.

“I said: I think you have to find a way, dear Volodymyr, to restore your relationship with Donald Trump and the American administration. That is important going forward,” Rutte told the BBC, after placing a call to the Ukrainian leader. 

Zelensky flew to London Saturday, where he is scheduled to participate in a summit with European leaders Sunday, hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer that will cover joint defense and security plans.

Starmer greeted Zelensky warmly as he arrived in London, where he will also meet with King Charles. The prime minister earlier said he had spoken to both Zelensky and Trump and pledged “unwavering support for Ukraine.”

On Fox News Friday Zelensky tried to put the matter to bed, telling Fox News that he believed the U.S.-Ukraine relationship could be salvaged.

“Your people helped to save our people,” Zelensky told anchor Bret Baier. “This is very, very important. And we are thankful.”