Zelensky 'Ready to Meet Trump Again and Sign Mineral Agreement' After 'Failed Summit'

White House Summit Aftermath Continues... Drawing the Line on Apology

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his willingness to sign a mineral agreement on the 2nd (local time). Following the derailment of the US-Ukraine summit, which resulted in the failure to conclude a bilateral mineral agreement, Zelensky continues his efforts to manage the aftermath of the summit as Ukraine's peace negotiations face difficulties.

According to Reuters and other sources, President Zelensky said during a press conference after attending an emergency European summit in London, UK, "We are ready to sign the mineral agreement, and I believe the United States is ready as well."

Previously, at the US-Ukraine summit held at the White House in Washington DC on the 28th of last month, President Zelensky and President Donald Trump clashed over Ukraine's desired security guarantees, exchanging heated words, and the meeting ended with 'no deal.'

President Zelensky said, "I think our relationship with the United States will continue," and regarding the discord with President Trump, he added, "In terms of relationship recovery, I think our relationship will continue."

Regarding the unfiltered worldwide broadcast of the heated exchange during the US-Ukraine summit, he said, "I don't think it's right for such discussions to be completely public." He continued, "I don't think it brings anything positive or additional to us as partners."

During the summit, President Trump rebuked President Zelensky for not accepting his peace plan, while Zelensky stood firm in demanding security guarantees. When Zelensky emphasized the importance of security measures to prevent Russia's reinvasion after signing a peace agreement, Trump threatened to withdraw from negotiations if Ukraine didn't agree to the terms demanded by the US. As Zelensky continued to resist, saying "Vladimir Putin cannot be trusted," Vice President JD Vance, who was present with Trump, stepped in to criticize Zelensky for being ungrateful and disrespectful.

President Zelensky emphasized that he is "ready to continue the dialogue" and would be willing to meet with President Trump again if invited to resolve the "real issues."

However, Bloomberg reported that President Zelensky drew the line at the 'apology' demanded by some members of the Trump administration.

President Zelensky stressed that he has the right to act for his country and people, and urged cooperating countries to show understanding for the suffering Ukraine has endured for more than three years due to Russian aggression. He maintained his refusal of the US demand to agree to an immediate ceasefire with Russia, saying it "would be a failure for everyone." He also reaffirmed his position that solid post-war security guarantees must precede any agreement.

President Zelensky argued, "If we cannot end the war and have no security guarantees, no one can control the ceasefire." Regarding his heated exchange with President Trump on this issue, he said, "We deserve to have an equal dialogue."

He added that while he does not believe the US will stop aid to Ukraine, he is preparing for all possible difficulties that may arise.

Zelensky's remarks came as Trump's side has been increasing pressure by suggesting that if Ukraine wants to continue the war, the mineral agreement is meaningless, even mentioning the 'regime change' card.

After meeting with European leaders including British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London for a summit on strengthening Ukraine's security, President Zelensky moved to the royal Sandringham Estate to meet with King Charles III.

Jung-min Oh, Hankyung.com reporter blooming@hankyung.com