Zelensky still wants to sign mineral deal and mend relations with the US

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was still ready to sign a mineral deal with the United States, while expressing gratitude for Washington's contributions.

Responding to the media on the evening of March 2, after a summit in London (UK) between European countries on the Ukraine issue, Mr. Zelensky said: "The agreement will be signed if the parties are ready," AFP reported.

The Ukrainian leader added that the relationship between Ukraine and the United States can be saved and will continue, despite the “war of words” between Mr. Zelensky and US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 28 that further divided the two countries. However, Mr. Zelensky said that the negotiations should take place in a closed-door meeting.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a meeting with media on March 2 in the UK

“I don’t think it’s right to have that open discussion. Given what happened, I don’t think it’s going to be very positive for us as partners,” he said of the conversation with Trump, which took place in front of the cameras. The US-Ukraine mineral deal was not signed after a heated exchange in the Oval Office.

In his speech to the nation on March 2, the Ukrainian President emphasized the importance of the United States and expressed gratitude to Washington, when Mr. Trump previously criticized his Ukrainian counterpart for not appreciating the US's contributions to Kyiv during more than 3 years of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

“Of course, we understand the importance of America and we are grateful for all the support we receive from America. There is not a single day that we do not feel gratitude,” The Guardian quoted Mr. Zelensky as saying.

The Ukrainian president added that there would be " diplomacy for peace, in the interests of Ukraine, Europe and the United States." In addition, Mr. Zelensky wanted his meeting with Mr. Trump last week to "better be history" and did not want to mention much, instead hoping for constructive negotiations with Washington in the future.

Ukraine’s partners held a summit in the UK on March 2 to affirm their support for Kyiv in its war with Russia. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that some Russian lawmakers said the meeting did not provide a solution to the Ukraine conflict.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/ong-zelensky-van-muon-ky-thoa-thuan-khoang-san-va-han-gan-quan-he-voi-my-185250303102530833.htm