**Ukraine President Still Open to US Minerals Deal**
Despite a heated argument with US President Donald Trump last week, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky says he is still ready to sign a minerals deal with the US.
The deal was intended as a stepping stone towards further security ties between the two countries. However, after a fractious meeting in the Oval Office, Zelensky was told to leave without the deal being signed.
Zelensky said that despite the tensions, he is still willing to have a “constructive dialogue” with the US. He wants his country’s position to be heard and for the world to remember who the aggressor is in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
“We want our partners to remember who the aggressor is in this war,” Zelensky said.
**US Treasury Secretary Says Peace Deal Needed First**
The Ukrainian leader’s remarks come as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told CBS News that it was “impossible to have an economic deal without a peace deal”.
Bessent also criticized Zelensky for not following the agreed-upon sequencing of discussions, which were meant to take place in private.
**Zelensky Insists on Ukrainian Army’s Strength**
Speaking after a summit of European leaders in London, Zelensky said that a strong Ukrainian army is the best security guarantee. He also emphasized that Europe needs some form of US input, such as air defense and intelligence, to defend a potential peace agreement.
**Ukraine Seeking Nato Membership**
Zelensky insisted that Ukraine’s relationship with the US will continue despite the recent tensions. However, he also made it clear that his country is seeking Nato membership, which would allow him to “fulfill my mission”.
“If I am exchangeable for Nato membership, then I have fulfilled my mission,” Zelensky said.
**Russia Still Controls 20% of Ukrainian Territory**
The ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia has seen Russian forces control around 20% of Ukrainian territory. A month-long truce on striking in the air, sea, and energy infrastructure is reportedly on the table, with a peace deal to be thrashed out during this time.