Donald Trump has made several scathing comments against Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky and says he will only support Kyiv’s war in exchange for access to the country’s mineral resources
The Ukrainian president is refusing a deal which would allow the US to plunder its natural resources as payment for weapons due to a “number of problematic issues”
Volodymyr Zelensky is reportedly not ready to sign the agreement, despite Donald Trump asserting that a deal was close at hand.
The reports of Zelensky’s position come from an unnamed Ukrainian source, who told Sky News: “The agreement is not yet ready to be signed, there are a number of problematic issues, and in the current form of the draft, the president is not ready to accept it.
“Today, the drafts do not reflect a partnership in the agreement and contain only unilateral commitments by Ukraine.” US national security adviser Mike Waltz said there is no way the Ukrainian president wouldn’t sign the deal.
“Here’s the bottom line, President Zelenskyy is going to sign that deal, and you will see that in the very short term,” Mr Waltz told a conservative conference on Friday. In addition to Trump’s hardline negotiating position, the idea of cutting Ukraine off from Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet system – which has been instrumental for Ukraine’s battlefield successes – has been floated should they refuse the deal.
While deals are on the table, a war of words continues to rage between Washington and Kyiv due to Trump’s public condemnation of the heroic Ukrainian leader. Comments from members of the Trump Administration are becoming increasingly spiteful, as they accuse him of alienating key allies and overplaying his hand in negotiations.
A senior White House Official said: “Zelensky is an actor who committed a common mistake of theatre kids: He started to think he’s the character he plays on TV. Yes, he has been brave and stood up to Russia. But he would be six feet under if it wasn’t for the millions we spent, and he needs to exit stage right with all the drama.”
It comes before Sir Keir Starmer sits down with Donald Trump next week in Washington. He told Volodymyr Zelensky he would discuss the importance of safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty during those discussions. He reiterated Britain’s “ironclad support” for Kyiv.
The Prime Minister insisted Kyiv’s voice must be at the heart of any peace negotiations and said he would be “progressing these important discussions” on his visit to Washington, Downing Street said.
In a readout of a call between Sir Keir and the Ukrainian president on Saturday, a Number 10 spokesperson said: “The Prime Minister began by reiterating the UK’s ironclad support for Ukraine and commitment to securing a just and enduring peace to bring an end to Russia’s illegal war.
“The leaders reflected on recent developments in the conflict, as the third anniversary of the full-scale invasion approaches, and agreed on the need to continue working together with allies to achieve peace through strength.
“They agreed that this was a significant moment for the future of Ukraine and European security at large. The Prime Minister repeated that Ukraine must be at the heart of any negotiations to end the war and that safeguarding Ukraine’s sovereignty was essential to deter future aggression from Russia.
“The Prime Minister said he would be progressing these important discussions in the coming days and weeks, including with US President Trump whilst visiting Washington DC next week. The leaders agreed to stay in close contact.”
