Ukrainian President Voldimia Zelensky said his country is still interested in deals that share mineral rights with the United States after leaving the White House on Friday without signing an agreement following an explosion with President Trump.
Trump has called for a share of Ukraine's rich mineral deposits in compensation for more than $175 billion the US has given the country with military and civil aid since the Russian invasion in 2022.
“We are ready to sign a mineral agreement and that will be our first step towards security assurance,” Zelensky said. Long statement to x Saturday morning. “But that's not enough, we need more than that. A ceasefire without security guarantees is dangerous for Ukraine. We've fought for three years, and the people of Ukrainians need to know that America is on our side.”
Chief of ungratefulness by Vice President Vance for US support during the war, Zelensky offered a passionate appreciation for the US's robust military and financial support since the start of the war.
“We are very grateful to the United States for all our support. We are grateful to President Trump, the bipartisan support of Congress, and the Americans. Ukrainians have always appreciated this support, especially during the last three years of full-scale invasion,” Zelensky said.
“American help is essential to helping us survive, and I would like to acknowledge that. Despite the tough dialogue, we remain strategic partners.”
Much of the rest of his statement focuses on the points Zelensky made on Friday, with Ukrainian leaders reiterating that Russia's Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted.
“Certain fires don't work with Putin. He has broken ceasefires 25 times in the last decade. Real peace is the only solution,” he said. “We cannot change Ukraine's position on Russia. The Russians are killing us. Russia is the enemy, and that is the reality we face. Ukraine wants peace, but it must be just and lasting peace.”
On Fox News Friday, Zelensky tried to put the issue into bed and told Fox News he believes that the U.S.-crane relationship could be recovered.
“Your people helped us save our people,” Zelensky told Anchor Brett Beyer. “This is very important and we are grateful.”
