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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The United States has carried out its first air transport of a nuclear microreactor on a cargo plane, flying the unit from California to Utah in a demonstration designed to show the technology can be rapidly deployed for military and civilian use.
Despite its economic might, the European Union is often labelled a “geopolitical dwarf.” The only region where it acts as an indisputable player, able to assert its will with relative ease, is the Western Balkans, along with parts of Eastern Europe.
The U.S. Helsinki Commission is set to refocus attention on Georgia’s domestic political crisis and its faltering relationship with Washington with a 11 February briefing titled “Georgian Dream’s Growing Suppression of Dissent.”
Iran would retaliate by striking U.S. military bases across the Middle East if it comes under attack by American forces, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Saturday (7 January), stressing that such action should not be seen as targeting the countries hosting those bases.
Ruben Vardanyan has been sentenced to 20 years in prison by the Baku Military Court after being found guilty of a series of offences including war crimes, terrorism and crimes against humanity.
The drumbeats have finally faded at the Marquês de Sapucaí, bringing the competitive phase of the Rio Carnival 2026 to a dazzling close. Over two marathon nights of spectacle, the twelve elite schools of the "Special Group" transformed the Sambadrome into a riot of colour.
President Donald Trump said he will be involved “indirectly” in nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran in Geneva, as both sides resume diplomacy against a backdrop of military pressure and deep mistrust.
Peru’s Congress has voted to censure and remove José Enrique Jeri Ore from his posts as President of Congress and acting President of the Republic, just four months into his tenure, citing undisclosed meetings with Chinese businessmen and alleged hiring irregularities.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 17th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday sought to highlight his outreach to Black Americans during a White House reception marking Black History Month, held months before November’s midterm elections.
Hungary and Slovakia announced a suspension of diesel exports to Ukraine on Wednesday.
A platoon of Swedish Air Force Rangers is training in Greenland as part of the ongoing “Arctic Endurance” exercise, according to Sweden’s military.
U.S.-mediated talks between Russia and Ukraine in Geneva ended after two days of negotiations that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described as difficult, while signalling progress on the military track.
Millions of Muslims around the world have begun observing Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the most sacred period in Islam.
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