Zelensky: 'We're grateful for US support - and ready to sign minerals deal'

[Social Media]

 

Ukraine remains committed to working closely with the United States despite the recent announcement that US aid to Kyiv is being put on hold. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal reaffirmed the importance of American support, stating that military aid from Washington has been "critical" and has saved countless Ukrainian lives. He also emphasized Ukraine's readiness to finalize an agreement granting the US access to the country's rare earth mineral deposits, saying, "We are ready to sign."

 

Shmyhal expressed gratitude for America's steadfast support over the past three years and extended his appreciation to Europe as well. He praised European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's newly proposed defence funding plans, calling them "an important first step."

 

Meanwhile, political tensions have emerged within Ukraine regarding President Volodymyr Zelensky’s recent visit to the White House. Oleksiy Goncharenko, a member of the opposition European Solidarity party, criticized Zelensky’s conduct during a meeting that included Donald Trump and JD Vance. Speaking to BBC Cymru, Goncharenko said, "Zelensky should have acted in a different way because it's not a kindergarten, it's not boxing.

 

It's about the lives of millions of people." He argued that the Ukrainian leader must apologize, adding, "What is more important, the pride of President Zelensky or the lives of millions of people for whom he is responsible?"

 

The pause in US aid is expected to have significant military implications for Ukraine. Ben Barry, a senior fellow for land warfare at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, discussed the potential consequences on BBC Radio 4’s World at One. "Intelligence has been a key part of US, UK, and Western support to Ukraine, but the US is the world’s intelligence superpower, and neither the British nor the rest of Europe could quickly fill the gap from the vast US intelligence assets," he said. Barry warned that Ukraine would be particularly affected by the absence of Patriot missile systems.

 

"The thing that will worry Ukraine most is the non-supply of Patriot missiles, which have this unique capability to intercept incoming ballistic missiles and have more capability in this than anything that Europe’s got." He also pointed out that Europe does not supply long-range artillery or short-range ballistic missiles, further complicating Ukraine's defence strategy.

 

Despite the pause in American aid, the UK's Chancellor Rachel Reeves reassured that the US remains the UK's closest defence and security partner. "That will continue to be the case," she said, noting that there is a "recognition across Europe that we must step up" to ensure the continent's collective security.

 

Following his tense exchange with Donald Trump at the White House, President Zelensky acknowledged that the meeting had not gone as intended.

 

"Our meeting in Washington, at the White House on Friday, did not go the way it was supposed to be," he wrote in a post on X. "It is regrettable that it happened this way. It is time to make things right." He reaffirmed Ukraine’s "commitment to peace," stressing that "none of us wants an endless war." Zelensky signaled Ukraine's willingness to negotiate as soon as possible, stating, "Ukraine is ready to come to the negotiating table as soon as possible to bring lasting peace closer."

 

"Nobody wants peace more than Ukrainians. My team and I stand ready to work under President Trump’s strong leadership to get a peace that lasts," he added. "We are ready to work fast to end the war."

 

Zelensky also hinted at possible initial steps toward peace, including a truce in the air and at sea, provided that Moscow agrees to do the same. He reiterated Kyiv's willingness to sign the US-proposed mineral deal, describing it as a "step" towards securing broader guarantees for Ukraine's security.

 

Based on a report by BBC Live  2025-03-05

 

 

[Tug]

It’s to bad this hero has to stoop to trumps level personally I don’t think it will help trumps to petty and jealous of a real man.he will double cross him at the first opportunity to score points with his idol.