Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he’s willing to meet Donald Trump if the US president invites him again “to solve real problems,” adding his country is ready to accept a minerals deal that was put on hold last week.
“We are worthy of an equal dialogue,” Zelenskiy said in London on Sunday, his first extensive comments on the verbal clash he had with Trump and Vice President JD Vance on Friday during an acrimonious White House meeting.
Zelenskiy chose his words carefully as he addressed the Oval Office blowup after attending a security summit of European leaders meant to rally support for Ukraine.
Holding such a conversation in the open wasn’t positive for both the US and Ukraine, he said, declining a reporter’s request to switch to English to avoid misinterpretation.
“I am convinced that the situation will pass and more important things are ahead,” Zelenskiy said. If the US president invites him “for a constructive dialogue, to solve real problems, for serious issues and real, decisive actions and answers — I will arrive,” he said.
Zelenskiy said the natural resources deal with the US is ready and can be signed by ministers. Ukraine isn’t backtracking on the offer regardless of what has happened and is ready to accept the deal, he said.
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While Zelenskiy recognized Ukraine’s dependence on US support and expressed respect to Trump, both main US political parties and the US as a whole, he steered away from apologizing.
He defended his right to stand up for the dignity of his country and its people, and urged partners to show understanding for the suffering endured by Ukraine since Russia’s invasion three years ago.
“I’m ready for any format of constructive relations with the US,” Zelenskiy said.
