Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed on Thursday that the US is constantly changing the terms of a key minerals agreement, saying there is currently 鈥渘o issue on the agenda鈥� that would warrant a trip to Washington.
Speaking to journalists following the Leaders鈥� Summit on Support for Ukraine in France, Zelenskyy expressed frustration over the lack of a final agreement on Ukraine鈥檚 rare earth minerals cooperation with the US.
鈥淎t the end of the day, they constantly change the terms,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 not going to Washington because there鈥檚 no issue on the agenda.鈥�
The Ukrainian leader said multiple drafts and frameworks have already been discussed. 鈥淲e have a lot of these agreements about the minerals, and I鈥檇 like to treat it not theoretically, but in practical terms,鈥� he said.
Zelenskyy noted that Ukrainian and US teams are now working on a full version of the deal.
鈥淎merica is changing the rules and proposing a full agreement, but it requires a detailed, thorough study鈥� serious agreements that will be brought before the parliament and ratified,鈥� he added.
He emphasized that lawyers have been reviewing multiple versions, first a framework deal and now a revised one under new terms. 鈥淲e have to act in a reserved manner,鈥� Zelenskyy said.
The proposed rare earth minerals deal is seen as a major step in US-Ukraine economic ties, especially as Kyiv seeks to leverage its strategic resources amid the ongoing war with Russia.
- 'UK, France will represent Europe'
Turning to diplomatic efforts, Zelenskyy emphasized that Europe must be represented in peace talks aimed at ending the war.
鈥淭he Ukrainian position is very clear 鈥� Europe must be at the negotiation table,鈥� he said. 鈥淓urope is large and must have clear representation. Today we agreed that Europe will be represented by France and the UK, by Macron and Starmer.鈥�
He also said the number of countries offering military support is increasing. 鈥淭here are many proposals from leaders, and they are growing. Some are ready to help in the air, some with air defense, some with boots on the ground, and others at sea,鈥� Zelenskyy said.
He described this expansion of support as 鈥済ood news,鈥� and added that more countries could still join the UK-France initiative regarding deployment.
- 'Silence in Black Sea what Russia wants'
Zelenskyy also commented on maritime security and sanctions, saying a ceasefire in the Black Sea could be beneficial.
鈥淪ilence in the Black Sea is exactly what the Russians want. They鈥檝e suffered losses there,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut our Food Security Corridor has been operating without Russia for a long time. Still, we are certainly in favor of a ceasefire 鈥� on energy, on civilian infrastructure, and at sea.鈥�
He warned, however, that Russia's behavior must be met with firm consequences.
鈥淚f the Russians violate any agreements and America responds decisively, then we all trust America and the president,鈥� he said. 鈥淏ut if they violate and nothing happens 鈥� no sanctions, and instead people talk about easing sanctions 鈥� then it鈥檚 not a matter of trust, it鈥檚 a different question entirely. What are we supposed to do with all this?鈥�
Responding to questions about peace negotiations, Zelenskyy said: 鈥淚鈥檓 not afraid of any format of talks. It鈥檚 Putin who鈥檚 not ready for direct negotiations with us.鈥�
By Alperen Aktas鈥嬧€嬧€嬧€嬧€嬧€嬧€�
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr