This transcript captures a joint press conference between a US President (referred to as "Mr. President," assumed to be Donald Trump, given the style and content) and the President of Ukraine, Zelensky, following a discussion on a potential peace deal and a new agreement regarding rare earth minerals. The atmosphere is tense, marked by a mix of optimism about a potential deal, frank criticism of past US administrations, and blunt exchanges.
The US President emphasizes the importance of ending the war in Ukraine, focusing on the high number of casualties on both sides and the need to redirect funds towards rebuilding. He touts his ability to negotiate a deal where the Biden administration had failed, criticizing Biden's approach as ineffective and financially irresponsible. He expresses confidence that a deal can be reached with Russia, citing his long-standing relationship with President Putin. He downplays the importance of security guarantees, prioritizing the initial deal itself. A key element of the deal is the agreement to extract and utilize Ukraine's rare earth minerals, providing the US with a crucial resource while generating revenue for Ukraine. He believes that with this deal in place, the fighting will stop.
President Zelensky expresses gratitude for the US support and emphasizes the importance of security guarantees for Ukraine, its people, and its children. He stresses that this document should serve as a foundation to get real security guarantees, and that the current document is not enough. He is also very vocal on his opinion on Putin, calling him a killer and terrorist. He states that his priority is to save their country, their values, their freedom and democracy. He wants to discuss how to exchange licenses for quick production of air defense systems and the return of Ukrainian children abducted and taken to Russia. He shares harrowing images of Ukrainian prisoners of war held in Russia, highlighting the dire conditions and alleged torture. He insists on no compromises with Russia regarding Ukrainian territories. He also speaks about the business with Westmen and says he never had an LNG terminal in Ukraine.
Journalists raise questions about the financial commitment from the US, the long-term security framework, and the potential for compromises. The US President reiterates that the funding will come from the revenue generated by the rare earth minerals. He expresses his strong opinion that once the agreement is made it's not going back to fighting, and then dismisses concerns about security.
When Zelensky is asked for his opinion on Trump, he emphasizes that the United States has been on their side and that he is not sure if the US will stop support. He speaks passionately on how Putin has to be stopped, but for them to do that, their strong army is enough. The conversation then shifts to potential compromises.
Finally there is an exchange that highlights the complexity of navigating the relationship between Ukraine, Russia, and the US. President Trump is criticized for not aligning himself with Ukraine as he is trying to make the deal with Russia. After that, the meeting then begins to turn ugly, when a question about the president's problems with bringing people in the military turns into a discussion where Trump begins to scold Zelensky on his lack of gratitude. Trump states the US has given Zelensky $350 billion.
The press conference ends with a clear illustration of the differing priorities and perspectives: the US President eager to finalize a deal and secure resources, and the Ukrainian President resolute on security and holding Russia accountable.