KYIV, Ukraine — On Sunday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that he might have to enter into an economic agreement with the United States that would secure ongoing assistance for Ukraine in exchange for U.S. access to the country’s mineral wealth.
During a press briefing at a forum in Kyiv, commemorating the three-year mark of Russia’s large-scale invasion, Zelenskyy remarked, “If your terms are clear that aid will be withheld unless we sign an agreement, then we have to recognize that reality.”
He further expressed his desire for a dialogue with President Trump, suggesting that if compelled, Ukraine might have to accept the deal.
Previously, the Trump administration had urged Zelenskyy to finalize a contract permitting U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, positioning it as a form of reimbursement for the military support provided as Ukraine defends itself.
Zelenskyy previously rejected an initial proposal, claiming it lacked the essential security assurances Ukraine needed to prevent further aggression from Russia.
However, on Sunday, he expressed a willingness to negotiate a deal that would allow the U.S. to profit from Ukraine’s mineral assets, although he dismissed the $500 billion figure initially suggested by the Trump administration as unacceptable.
“I am not going to sign something that places an insurmountable financial burden on generations of Ukrainians,” he stated firmly.
Earlier that day, Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, left the Kyiv event alongside Economic Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko for discussions with U.S. officials regarding the prospective agreement.
Yermak stated that Ukraine’s mineral resources could play a significant role in the overall structure of security guarantees, which encompass military provisions and other forms of support.
When posed with a direct question about potentially stepping down from his presidency for the sake of peace in Ukraine, Zelenskyy responded affirmatively, expressing a readiness to resign if it led to a sustainable resolution to the conflict under NATO’s security framework.
“If by relinquishing my position I can facilitate peace, I am open to it,” he maintained. “I can negotiate that in exchange for NATO membership.”
His comments seemed to counter recent statements made by Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, who have suggested holding elections in Ukraine, despite current laws against such actions during a state of martial law.
Zelenskyy voiced concerns over Trump’s recent pivot towards engaging with Russian officials, expressing anxieties that quick negotiations led by Trump could jeopardize Ukrainian territorial integrity and leave the nation vulnerable to renewed Russian hostility.
While U.S. officials reassured that Ukraine would have a say in any future discussions concerning peace, Trump’s recent declaration that Ukraine instigated the conflict and his insinuation that Zelenskyy was acting “like a dictator” by avoiding elections have fueled worries in Kyiv.
Ahead of a potential summit between Trump and Putin, Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister indicated that preparations were underway, suggesting a thaw in Russo-American relations under the Trump administration.
In response to shifting U.S. policies, European leaders are on the brink of discussions aimed at crafting a strategy to provide continuous support to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy announced plans to propose a visit to a European capital within the next two weeks to engage with EU leaders concerning security guarantees for Ukraine.
In a show of support, the UK is poised to unveil new sanctions against Russia, marking one of its most significant packages since the outset of the conflict.
British Foreign Secretary David Lammy signaled that these measures are intended to dismantle Russia’s military capabilities and diminish the finances that enable warfare in Ukraine.
Upcoming visits to Washington by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron underscore Europe’s efforts to persuade Trump not to abandon Ukraine in favor of a peace agreement.
Starmer emphasized during a speech that “there can be no meaningful dialogue about Ukraine without the involvement of Ukraine, as its people deserve a secure future.”
Earlier on the same day, Zelenskyy reported that Russia launched an unprecedented attack, deploying 267 strike drones in one night, marking the highest number of drones used in a single assault throughout the ongoing war.
The Ukrainian air force claimed to have intercepted 138 drones across 13 regions, with an additional 119 drones lost before they could reach their targets.
Russia also launched three ballistic missiles during this onslaught, claiming the life of one civilian in Kryvyi Rih, according to local military reports.
In light of the recent assault, Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, asserted that ignoring Russia’s aggressive posture does not alter the reality of its actions.
“No one should place faith in Putin’s statements. One should evaluate him based on his actions instead,” Sybiha wrote in a social media post.
