Volodymyr Zelensky, the President of Ukraine, stated on the 2nd (local time) that he is “ready to sign a mineral agreement” and believes “the United States is also ready.” Zelensky made these remarks while meeting with reporters in the outskirts of London, UK, Reuters reported.
President Zelensky met with U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on February 28 to discuss the end of the Ukraine war and a bilateral mineral agreement. However, the meeting ended without any conclusion after a heated debate, with Zelensky opposing Trump’s end-of-war proposal.
After the summit, statements interpreted as a call for regime change in Ukraine emerged from the White House, suggesting the need for a Ukrainian leader who can negotiate with the U.S. and eventually with Russia to end the war.
In response to questions from reporters, Zelensky said, “I believe I can restore the relationship with President Trump, but there is a need to continue dialogue in other ways as well.”
He further commented, “I don’t believe that the U.S. will stop aiding Ukraine as it would only benefit Russian President Vladimir Putin,” adding that they are preparing for all potential challenges.
The day after the “empty-handed meeting” with Trump, on March 1, Zelensky arrived in the UK, where he met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and attended an emergency European summit held in London.