Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he remains confident that Ukraine can mend its relationship with the United States despite the abrupt end to his recent Washington trip that left a key minerals deal unfinalized.
The proposed agreement, which aimed to leverage Ukraine’s lithium and rare earth deposits in exchange for U.S. support for its war effort, was not signed during the visit.
Zelenskyy emphasized that Ukraine is still prepared to sign the minerals deal, stating, "We agreed upon signing it; and we were ready to sign it. And honestly I believe the United States would be ready as well." The deal had been portrayed by President Donald Trump as a way for Ukraine to repay the billions in aid it has received, but its failure to materialize has added to the diplomatic challenges between Kyiv and Washington.
Addressing broader concerns, Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine will not concede any occupied territories to Russia. "Everyone needs to understand that Ukraine will never recognise whatever is occupied by Russia as Russian territories," he said, adding that robust security guarantees are essential to prevent further aggression.
The stalled minerals deal follows a recent dispute during Zelenskyy’s meeting with Trump, which prompted some Republican leaders to suggest that the Ukrainian leader should step down. In response, Zelenskyy dismissed calls for his resignation, noting, "As regards resignation, if I'm to be changed ... to change me it will not be easy because it is not enough to simply hold elections. You would need to prevent me from participating in the elections and it will be a bit more difficult."
Amid these developments, influential Russian parliamentarian Konstantin Kosachev offered a contrasting perspective on the peace process, writing on Telegram that if Ukraine were to rely on any external progress, it should come from improvements in Russian-American relations.
Zelenskyy also reiterated that Ukraine’s strategic mission would be accomplished if the country were granted NATO membership, underscoring his administration’s commitment to preserving Ukrainian sovereignty while seeking stronger international security guarantees.
As lower-level contacts continue between Kyiv and Washington, the unresolved minerals deal and ongoing diplomatic challenges highlight the complex balancing act Ukraine faces in securing both its national interests and vital international alliances.
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At least 15 people have died across the United States as a powerful winter storm moves east and a surge of Arctic air drives temperatures sharply lower across much of the country, authorities said on Monday.
The UN Human Rights Council has condemned Iran for rights abuses and ordered an expanded investigation into a crackdown on anti-government protests that killed thousands, as Tehran warned any military attack would be treated as an all-out war.
The U.S. military carried out a strike on a vessel suspected of narco-trafficking in the Eastern Pacific on Friday, killing two people and leaving one survivor, U.S. Southern Command said.
The S&P 500 edged to a record closing high on Tuesday, marking its fifth consecutive day of gains, as strong advances in technology stocks offset a sharp selloff in healthcare shares and a mixed batch of corporate earnings.
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Residents in Syria’s Kurdish-majority city of Qamishli have stepped up volunteer patrols amid growing pressure from the country’s Islamist-led government, expressing deep mistrust of Damascus despite a fragile U.S.-backed ceasefire.
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Iraq's former Prime Minister Nouri Al-Maliki said on Wednesday that he rejects U.S. interference in Iraq's internal affairs, after U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to cut off support to the country if Maliki was picked as prime minister.
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Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 29th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
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