Kiev keen on working with US, ready for minerals deal: Prime Minister
4 Min Read
Ukraine underlines its commitment to cooperation with the United States after the heated quarrel between US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart, which caused further strain.
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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy pauses during a interview with Bret Baier during a taping of FOX News Channel's Special Report with Bret Baier in Washington, Friday, Feb. 28, 2025 (AP)
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated on Tuesday that Ukraine remains committed to its cooperation with the United States and is prepared to sign the anticipated minerals agreement despite reports of a temporary suspension of US military aid.
Fox News, citing a senior White House official, reported that the US has put a hold on all military assistance to Ukraine until President Donald Trump sees a clear commitment from Kiev to engage in peace talks.
"Regarding discussions on the termination [of US assistance], we will continue to work with the US and the administration in a perfectly calm manner, through all available channels. We will continue to work with the US, the US Congress, the Trump administration, and President Trump himself through all available diplomatic channels," Shmyhal told Ukraine's Rada broadcaster.
"Today, Ukraine is fully committed to continuing its work with the US... We are seeking opportunities for pragmatic cooperation based on economic interests, in particular, and the agreement on the joint establishment of an investment fund in Ukraine, which we are ready to sign," the premier added.
Shmyhal also reassured that Ukraine's government and military have the necessary capabilities to manage the frontline situation, even in the absence of US military aid. He added that Kiev would continue to engage with Washington, European allies, and the G7 nations to secure the necessary resources for its defense.
Trump lambasts Zelensky
United States President Donald Trump decided to kick Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky out of the White House after a heated shouting match on Friday.
Trump invited the Ukrainian president to Washington, where the two were supposed to have lunch and hold a joint press conference. However, Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance, on one side, and Zelensky, on the other, hurled sharp accusations at each other in front of reporters in the Oval Office. Then reporters were told to leave the space.
"He (Zelensky) could have just acknowledged the vice president's remarks and moved on, but he couldn't bring himself to do it," a White House official told Axios, referring to remarks made by Vance about the need for diplomacy with Russia.
Notably, Trump repeatedly mocked Zelensky’s military-style attire. According to Axios, he was irritated that Zelensky opted against wearing a traditional suit to the meeting, especially after Trump's advisors told Zelensky's team that it would be more respectful if Zelensky wore a suit to the White House.
Moreover, Zelensky's visit to Washington was expected to include the signing of a long-anticipated minerals-sharing agreement with the US, a deal seen as a step toward enhanced security cooperation. However, reports indicate that Trump officials cut the meeting short and instructed Zelensky to leave after their heated exchange.
The Ukrainian president, undeterred, reiterated his country's commitment to finalizing the deal. "We are ready to sign the minerals agreement, and it will be the first step toward security guarantees," he said on Saturday.
The fallout from the clash prompted European leaders to rally behind Zelensky, with the Ukrainian leader continuing his diplomatic efforts with talks in London. Notably, former Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko, despite being a political rival, offered words of support.
"Some people expected me to criticise Zelensky. But no, there will be no criticism, because this is not what the country needs now," Poroshenko wrote on Facebook. At the same time, he hinted at concerns over Ukraine's strategy, adding, "We really hope that President Zelensky has a Plan B."
The diplomatic rift comes as Ukraine faces growing uncertainty over its relationship with Washington, particularly as Trump signals a shift in US foreign policy. With his next stop in London, Zelensky continues to push for Western support as the war with Russia persists.
