Zelenskyy Signals Readiness to Sign Minerals Deal With U.S. After White House Confrontation

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on March 2 that Ukraine remains prepared to sign a minerals deal with the United States.

Speaking to British media in London, he indicated that he was willing to move forward despite a contentious meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.

“The agreement that’s on the table will be signed if the parties are ready,” Zelenskyy said.

The deal, intended to facilitate Ukraine’s post-war recovery and secure access to its vast mineral resources, was expected to be finalized during Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington on Friday. However, discussions derailed after an Oval Office exchange in which Trump pressed Zelenskyy to express greater gratitude for U.S. support.

“You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out,” Trump told Zelenskyy, according to accounts from those present. “And if we’re out, you’ll fight it out, and I don’t think it’s going to be pretty.”

The proposal under discussion would grant the United States financial advantages in exchange for its role in brokering a truce. While Trump has described the deal as “very fair,” he has repeatedly declined to commit U.S. military forces, leaving European allies to consider potential security arrangements.

On Sunday, European leaders gathered in London for a summit hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, reaffirming support for Ukraine.