Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine is prepared to sign a minerals deal with the United States.

“The agreement that's on the table will be signed if the parties are ready,” Zelensky said during a late-night briefing with UK media after a major summit in London.

The deal was expected to be a step towards resolving the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, on Friday, the negotiations took a turn after a heated discussion between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office.

Dispute between Trump and Zelensky

Zelensky had travelled to Washington on Friday for a full White House visit. He was set to sign a US-Ukrainian deal that would allow both countries to work together to use Ukraine’s vast mineral resources. This deal was part of a plan to help Ukraine recover after the war under a US-brokered peace agreement.

However, during their meeting, President Trump criticised Zelensky, telling him to be more “thankful” for US support in the three-year war. He warned that Ukraine needed to make a deal or risk losing US assistance.

“You're either going to make a deal or we're out,” Trump said. “And if we're out, you'll fight it out, and I don't think it's going to be pretty.”

Trump described the proposed minerals deal as “very fair.” The deal would have allowed the US to gain financial benefits for helping Ukraine reach a truce. However, Trump made it clear that the US would not send troops to support European forces who could act as peacekeepers.

After their heated exchange, Zelensky left the White House in his motorcade. The planned joint press conference was cancelled, and the minerals deal was left unsigned.

Europe shows support for Ukraine

On Sunday, Ukraine’s allies gathered at a summit in London hosted by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Many European leaders promised to increase security spending and support efforts to maintain peace.

Meanwhile, French President Emmanuel Macron said that France and Britain were considering proposing a one-month temporary truce with Russia.

Even with the setback in Washington, Zelensky made it clear that Ukraine remains willing to sign the minerals deal if both sides agree.

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