President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine would work “quickly and very wisely” to an agreement that grants the US access to natural resources.
Kiev has focused on strengthening the negotiation status as an open consultation to end the war, with or without Ukraine's involvement. Amidst the gust of diplomacy on Thursday and Friday, Zelensky spoke with half a dozen leaders in Europe and Canada to bolster other sources of support.
But just as he did, Trump said in a radio interview on Friday that the Ukrainian president doesn't need to take part in consultations intended to end the conflict in his soil.
“I don't think it's very important to attend meetings to be honest with you. He's been there for three years,” Trump told Fox News host Brian Kilmeade. He added that he was watching Mr. Zelensky. No cards. ”
“And you're tired of it,” Trump said. “You get tired of it, and I had it.”
Kiev and Moscow engaged in in-person meetings early in the invasion, but since April 2022 they have negotiated only to exchange prisoners and return Ukrainian children from Russia.
The idea of trading natural resources for US support was first proposed by Ukraine, but Zelensky said that the US proposal provides Kiev with access to profits from 50% of the country's minerals and energy resources I was bald when I suggested that I should. Zelensky also objected to the deal that no American security commitments were included.
Several aides to Zelensky believe a new version of the contract being discussed Thursday addresses these concerns and advised Zelensky to sign it. The change in attitudes regarding the trade of some Ukrainian officials was first reported by Axios.
In another positive indication of a meeting with the US on resources, retired lieutenant general Keith Kellogg, Trump's envoy to Ukraine for settlement negotiations, said “Zelensky's “fight, brave leadership.” It was posted to the X Prize as “Person”. War and his talented national security team. ” Kellogg said he had “a broad and positive discussion” about his visit to Kiev.
On Friday evening, Zelensky said that his negotiation team had been working with our counterparts on an “accord that could strengthen our relationship,” but “to resolve details to ensure its effectiveness.” He said there was still a need for the “to” to.
He added: “I'm looking forward to the outcome – just the outcome.”
The talks derailed last week after Zelensky visited Kyiv and refused to immediately sign the version presented to him by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Trump responded broadside to Zelensky's moral status in the conflict, falsely saying that Ukrainian leaders had begun an all-out war that began with Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022. Zelensky said Trump lived in a “net of disinformation.”
However, US pressure on Kiev continued. On Thursday, US national security adviser Mike Waltz said in an interview with Fox & Friends that Ukrainian leaders need it “to put it in and look and sign the deal hard.” Ta.
Zelensky made a speech with Ukrainians every night after meeting with Meeh on Thursday, saying it was a “conference to restore hope” with Kellogg, a Ukrainian regime after a meeting with Meeh on Thursday. suggested that it was progressing.
He says that “economy and security must always be hand-held,” and that his interest is interested in ensuring a lasting agreement with the US, as well as potential natural. No details were provided regarding resource transactions.
The Ukrainian government simultaneously pursued a surge in diplomacy with Europe in the hope that Europe would provide security commitments or military aid to close the gap if the US withholds support.
Zelensky and other Ukrainian officials have acknowledged that the entire scope of military and intelligence reporting support provided by European countries to Ukraine cannot be completely replaced, but cease-fires to form European peacekeeping forces. It is encouraged by discussions enforced.
On Thursday, Zelensky spoke on the phone with five European leaders from France, the UK, Norway, Denmark and Finland, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and Polish President Andrze Dudah on Friday.
In nine days since Trump began negotiations with Russia over a phone call with President Vladimir V. Putin on February 12, Zelensky spoke about whether he had met European leaders on the phone at least nine times. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez was scheduled for a visit on Monday.
Macron and British Prime Minister Kiel Starmer continue to report on the Ukraine incident scheduled for Washington next week, where they will present the Trump administration that Europe and the UK can provide and layout Ukraine. What is still needed from the US is expected.
