Following a tense meeting with President Donald Trump and a combative interview on Fox News, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has made a clear declaration: Ukraine is prepared to sign the highly debated U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement... under one condition.
In a lengthy new statement, Zelenskyy emphasized that while securing long-term peace remains his top priority, the minerals deal represents a critical first step toward ensuring Ukraine’s economic security.
"We are ready to sign the minerals agreement, and it will be the first step toward security guarantees," Zelenskyy stated.
However, he cautioned that a ceasefire without concrete assurances from the U.S. could leave Ukraine vulnerable.
His remarks come as the terms of the agreement, which will see Ukraine contribute 50% of its future proceeds from state-owned mineral resources to a U.S.-managed investment fund, continue to spark debate.
The deal - offered on Wednesday, per BBC News - is expected to provide funding for Ukraine’s reconstruction, but Zelenskyy insists that without firm security guarantees, economic agreements alone will not be enough.
Breakdown of Talks Between Trump and Zelenskyy
Zelenskyy's remarks followed an explosive meeting at the White House with President Trump, which ended abruptly after a heated exchange.
At one point, Trump pressed Zelenskyy, stating: "You either make a deal or we are out."
"You’re gambling with World War III and what you’re doing is very disrespectful to the country — this country," Trump stated.
The meeting then came to an end within minutes of Trump telling Zelenskyy: “You have to be thankful. You don’t have the cards. You’re buried there. Your people are dying. You’re running low on soldiers. I’ve empowered you to be a tough guy, and I don’t think you’d be a tough guy without the United States."
Vice President J.D. Vance was also present, and pushed Zelenskyy over whether or not he had properly expressed gratitude to President Trump.
"Mr. President, with respect. I think it's disrespectful for you to come to the Oval Office to try to litigate this in front of the American media," the VP said, before questioning Zelenskyy on if he's said "thank you" during his visit.
Fox News Confronts Zelenskyy Over Apology to Trump
Following the White House meeting, Zelenskyy appeared on Fox News, where he was questioned by anchor Bret Baier about whether he owed Trump an apology.
"Do you think you owe an apology to President Trump?" Baier asked.
Zelenskyy avoided the question, instead expressing gratitude to the American people and Congress for their ongoing support. "We are strategic partners, and even in such tough talks, we have to be very honest and we have to be very direct to understand each other," he said.
Baier pressed again, saying: "So, I'm not hearing from you, Mr. President, a thought that you owe [President Trump] an apology?"
Zelenskyy responded: "I respect the president and I respect the American people... I’m not sure that we did something bad."
The Ukrainian leader, who has consistently pushed for continued U.S. support, later suggested that discussions with Trump should continue away from the eyes of the media.
Zelenskyy’s Statement: "Ready to Sign, But Security Guarantees Are Essential"
Following his Fox News interview, Zelenskyy released an extended statement, expanding on his views about Ukraine’s partnership with the U.S. and the minerals agreement: "We are very grateful to the United States for all the support. I’m thankful to President Trump, Congress for their bipartisan support, and the American people. Ukrainians have always appreciated this support, especially during these three years of full-scale invasion.
"America’s help has been vital in helping us survive, and I want to acknowledge that. Despite the tough dialogue, we remain strategic partners. But we need to be honest and direct with each other to truly understand our shared goals."
While he confirmed that Ukraine is ready to move forward with the minerals deal, Zelenskyy stressed that it cannot be a substitute for security commitments.
"It’s crucial for us to have President Trump’s support," he wrote. "He wants to end the war, but no one wants peace more than we do. We are the ones living this war in Ukraine. It’s a fight for our freedom, for our very survival."
Zelenskyy also referenced former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, stating: "As President Reagan once said, ‘Peace is not just the absence of war.’ We’re talking about just and lasting peace—freedom, justice, and human rights for everyone.
"A ceasefire won’t work with Putin. He has broken ceasefires 25 times over the last ten years. A real peace is the only solution."
"Our relationship with the American President is more than just two leaders; it’s a historic and solid bond between our peoples. That’s why I always begin with words of gratitude from our nation to the American nation," Zelenskyy continued. "American people helped save our people. Humans and human rights come first.
"We’re truly thankful. We want only strong relations with America, and I really hope we will have them."
The Terms of the U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal
The finalized minerals agreement, published Friday morning, outlines a framework for the creation of an investment fund dedicated to Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. The fund will be co-managed by Ukraine and the U.S. on "equal terms."
Key terms include:
- Ukraine will contribute 50% of all future proceeds from state-owned mineral resources, oil, and gas to the fund.
- The U.S. will maintain a long-term financial commitment to Ukraine’s economic development, subject to U.S. law.
- The U.S. will own the maximum amount of the fund allowed under American legal limits.
Though Ukrainian officials have welcomed the new terms, the agreement has gone through several iterations due to previous disputes. Reports indicate that the U.S. initially requested $500 billion in mineral wealth, which Ukraine rejected as an unreasonable demand.
Former Ukrainian minister Tymofiy Mylovanov described the earlier U.S. proposals as "exploitative", stating:
"The U.S. administration started with a deal that challenged Ukraine's sovereignty, then pushed an exploitative one that would bankrupt the country. Now, they've shifted to a reasonable deal with co-ownership and no direct claims on past aid. That could actually benefit Ukraine."
Zelenskyy: Security Guarantees Must Be Included
Despite moving forward with the minerals agreement, Zelenskyy has repeatedly called for a formal security guarantee from the U.S., warning that without it, Ukraine risks further Russian aggression.
"I wanted to have a sentence on security guarantees for Ukraine, and it's important that it's there," Zelenskyy told the BBC.
When asked if he would walk away from the minerals agreement if security guarantees were not included, he replied: "I want to find a NATO path or something similar. If we don't get security guarantees, we won't have a ceasefire, nothing will work, nothing."
Trump’s Response
President Trump has remained firm on his stance that Ukraine must show more gratitude for U.S. aid and work toward a resolution.
Following their tense meeting, Trump took to social media, writing: "We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure.
"It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if America is involved, because he feels our involvement gives him a big advantage in negotiations.
"I don’t want advantage, I want PEACE. He disrespected the United States of America in its cherished Oval Office. He can come back when he is ready for Peace."
As Ukraine moves toward signing the minerals agreement, tensions remain over the lack of U.S. security guarantees. While the deal represents a major step toward economic stability, Zelenskyy has made it clear that financial commitments alone will not be enough.
For now, the rift between Trump and Zelenskyy continues, leaving open questions about how much further U.S. support will extend — and whether the minerals deal is the start of a new phase in U.S.-Ukraine relations, or just another point of contention.