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Zelensky complains minerals deal with US yet unsigned

Zelensky told reporters that he had not yet received an invitation from US President Donald Trump to visit the White House

MOSCOW, March 12. /TASS/. Vladimir Zelensky expressed his desire to conclude a deal with the United States on minerals, complaining that the document had not been signed earlier.

"Ukraine is ready to sign a framework agreement as the first step," he said at a briefing as broadcast by the Rada TV channel. "To be honest, I thought we would sign earlier. We are ready for this. And there's nothing to talk about. There are no secrets behind the scenes."

Zelensky told reporters that he had not yet received an invitation from US President Donald Trump to visit the White House. "I didn't hear the invitation. I think any meeting we have with the US president should end with a positive outcome for both sides," he continued. "I really want any meeting to be positive."

The signing of the minerals agreement was disrupted after a shouting match between Zelensky and Trump at the White House on February 28. Zelensky was accused of disrespect and ingratitude to the US and asked to leave the White House. His behavior not only disrupted the signing of the document but also strained bilateral relations.

Negotiations between the delegations of the United States and Ukraine took place in Jeddah on March 12. They lasted about nine and a half hours. Following the talks, a joint statement was published on Zelensky's website, according to which Ukraine is ready to accept the US proposal for a 30-day ceasefire, and Washington will immediately cancel the pause in providing intelligence and resume providing assistance to Kiev. The statement also noted that the parties agreed to sign an agreement on the development of critically important mineral resources as soon as possible to strengthen Ukraine's economy.

At a briefing after the talks, head of Zelensky's office Andrey Yermak said that the minerals agreement would be signed when the United States deems it convenient. According to him, by mentioning the agreement in the final statement, the United States and Ukraine "simply confirmed the intention of the two sides so that this really happens." He also noted that Ukraine is ready to meet with U.S. representatives anywhere. Later, Trump told reporters that he would invite Zelensky to the White House again.

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