Speaking to journalists after a crucial summit with European leaders in London on Sunday, Zelenskyy declared that Kyiv is prepared to move forward with the agreement, which was halted after a public clash with Trump on Friday.
“It is our policy to continue regardless of what happened in the past. We are constructive. If we agreed upon signing it, we were ready to sign it. And honestly, I believe that the United States is ready as well,” Zelenskyy told reporters at London Stansted airport through a translator.
“Perhaps there is a need to analyze certain things in time, but I just want the Ukrainian position to be heard. It was very important to me that the Ukrainian position is heard.”
Zelenskyy expressed confidence that relations with Trump could be restored and that his administration would not cease providing assistance to Kyiv.
“I think our relations will continue. Because this is more than just relationships at a particular moment,” the Ukrainian leader stated.
“We must be open. Ukraine may not be the largest country in the world, but everyone can see how it fights for its independence and freedom.”
“We definitely count on assistance from the United States,” he added.
“I believe stopping such assistance will only help Putin. And due to that, I believe the United States and representatives of the civilized world, leaders of this world surely won’t help Putin.”
Zelenskyy’s remarks came at the end of a two-day visit to the United Kingdom, during which European leaders aimed to present a united front in support of Ukraine and salvage efforts to end the war with Russia.
At a historic summit in London, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that his country and France would form a “coalition of the willing” to develop a peace plan to present to Trump.
“We are at a crossroads in history today,” Starmer stated, urging his European counterparts to step up to a “once-in-a-generation moment” for the security of the continent.
“This is not a moment for more talks. It’s time to act. Time to step up and lead, and to unite around a new plan for a just and enduring peace.”
The Trump administration’s proposal to jointly exploit Ukraine’s natural resources as part of a broader deal to end the war collapsed dramatically on Friday during a televised meeting between Zelenskyy and the US president at the White House.
After Zelenskyy challenged US Vice President JD Vance for suggesting diplomacy was needed following the failed peace efforts of former US President Joe Biden’s administration, Trump and Vance criticized the Ukrainian leader for lacking gratitude for US support and overestimating his bargaining position.
Following the exchange, Trump cancelled the rest of Zelenskyy’s visit, including a signing ceremony for the minerals deal, and said the Ukrainian leader could return when “he is ready” for peace.
Several Republican lawmakers, including South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, suggested that Zelenskyy should resign if he could not negotiate with Trump.
On Sunday, Zelenskyy dismissed the Republicans’ calls for him to consider his position as “undemocratic,” but stated he would step down if Ukraine were granted membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
“Then it means I have fulfilled my mission,” he said.
