Zelensky said he is “ready” to step down if it guarantees peace, even suggesting he could “exchange it for NATO membership"

Zelensky Still Open to US-Ukraine Minerals Deal Despite Tense White House Meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he remains "ready to sign" a minerals agreement with the United States, despite leaving the White House last week without securing a deal.

Speaking in London, Zelensky told reporters—including the BBC’s Laura Kuenssberg—that he is still willing to engage in a "constructive dialogue" with the U.S. "I just want the Ukrainian position to be heard," he said.

"We want our partners to remember who the aggressor is in this war."

A Deal Stalled by Tensions

The U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal was initially seen as a key step toward deepening security ties between the two nations, especially as tensions rose over how the Trump administration was handling peace talks with Russia.

However, following a heated argument in the Oval Office between Zelensky, President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance, the Ukrainian leader was sent away without the agreement being signed.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent later suggested that Zelensky’s approach had disrupted the intended sequence of discussions, arguing that economic agreements should come after a peace deal, not before.

"It’s impossible to have an economic deal without a peace deal," Bessent told CBS News. He accused Zelensky of "relitigating" discussions in public instead of negotiating privately.

Ukraine Needs U.S. Support, But Europe Must Lead

Zelensky, speaking after a summit of European leaders in London, warned that his tense exchange with Trump only benefited Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Despite the fallout, he did not rule out returning to the White House if invited, but refused to comment on whether he regretted his handling of the meeting—or on reports that Trump officials have suggested ceding Ukrainian territory as part of a peace settlement.

At the summit, European leaders agreed on a four-point plan to defend Ukraine from further Russian aggression, with the UK, France, and other nations forming a "coalition of the willing" to enforce a potential peace agreement.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer acknowledged that Europe must take the lead but stressed that "any agreement would need U.S. backing."

Zelensky echoed this sentiment, stating that "the best security guarantees are a strong Ukrainian army", but added that U.S. air defense and intelligence support would still be critical.

Calls for Zelensky to Step Down

Following the Oval Office clash, several leading Republicans sided with Trump and criticized Zelensky.

Senator Lindsey Graham, once a strong supporter of Ukraine, told reporters:

"Zelensky either needs to resign and send somebody over that we can do business with, or he needs to change."

When asked about these remarks, Zelensky dismissed the idea that he should step aside to smooth U.S.-Ukraine relations.

"Resigning is one thing, but preventing me from running again would require NATO membership," he quipped.