Zelensky on minerals deal with U.S.: 'Our countries have to sign it'

01.03.2025 02:17

Ukrinform

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that Ukraine and the United States have to sign a bilateral agreement to establish an investment fund for Ukraine's reconstruction. Known in the U.S. as the "minerals deal," the document is considered mutually beneficial for both sides.

Zelensky made these remarks during an interview with Fox News on Friday, according to Ukrinform.

"This deal was prepared by our teams for weeks. It wasn't simple, but now it's ready. I believe they have to sign it -- the countries have to sign it, the ministers have to sign it. That's it," he said.

He said that the United States had expressed interest in signing the document, and Ukraine had no objections. However, he noted that Ukraine sought clarity on security guarantees included in the agreement and the next steps.

Zelensky explained that the war had caused immense losses for Ukrainians, and they did not want any further surprises. He also stressed that Ukraine wants to be honest with its partners.

According to him, it depends on the American side when the agreement will be signed.

A signing ceremony for the agreement was scheduled to take place in Washington on Friday, with both presidents in attendance. However, after negotiations were cut short, the signing was canceled. The White House, however, did not rule out the possibility of signing the agreement while the Ukrainian delegation remains in the U.S.