KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated Sunday that he could also be compelled to signal an financial settlement with the USA that might guarantee continued help for Ukraine in return for the U.S. making a revenue from minerals within the nation.
“If we are forced and we cannot do without it, then we should probably go for it. … I just want a dialogue with President (Donald) Trump.”
The Trump administration has pressured Zelenskyy to signal a deal permitting the U.S. entry to Ukrainian uncommon earth minerals as a type of compensation for the help the U.S. has offered to Kyiv because it defends towards Russia’s invasion.
Zelenskyy earlier declined to log out on an preliminary U.S. provide, arguing that it didn’t present Ukraine with the safety ensures it wants to discourage Russian assaults.
On Sunday, Zelenskyy stated he was open to brokering a deal that might let the U.S. revenue from his nation’s minerals, however the $500 billion sum initially proposed by the Trump administration wasn’t acceptable.
“I am not signing something that will be paid off by 10 generations of Ukrainians,” he stated.
In response to a pointed query from a reporter on whether or not he would hand over his presidency for peace in Ukraine, Zelenskyy stated he would accomplish that if it achieved a sturdy finish to the combating below the safety umbrella of the NATO navy alliance.
“If to achieve peace, you really need me to give up my post, I’m ready,” he stated. “I can trade it for NATO.”