Mineral resources agreement, arms production, and elections. Key takeaways from Zelensky's press conference.
Zelensky Ready to Exchange Presidency for Security Guarantees
President Zelensky is prepared to step down as president of Ukraine in exchange for security guarantees. “If you need me to leave my position, I am ready. I can trade that for NATO, if such conditions exist. I am focusing on Ukraine's security today, not in 20 years, and I do not intend to be in power for decades. Therefore, this is probably my focus and desired dream,” he noted.
At the same time, he emphasized that Ukraine cannot agree to security guarantees that are based “on the word of the Russian Federation.”
According to the president, among the countries that should be at the peace negotiations table, European states must be included, including France, the United Kingdom, and Germany. He also mentioned Turkey, as it plays an important role in the context of security guarantees.
“With respect to everyone, we need to think about logistical steps to understand who will sit at the negotiating table. This is absolutely important to me,” Zelensky stated.
The War Has Cost Ukraine $320 Billion
Zelensky reported that the full-scale war has cost Ukraine $320 billion: the USA provided $100 billion, EU countries along with partners contributed another $100 billion, while Ukraine invested $120 billion of its own.
He stated that he does not recognize assistance from the USA as a debt that needs to be repaid, as he had an agreement with former President Joe Biden that these funds are a grant.
Zelensky added that currently, Ukraine is receiving support from the previous US administration. This involves $15 billion for the supply of weapons and various technical means.
“I Will Not Sign What Will Burden Ten Generations of Ukrainians”
President Zelensky explained that he refused to sign the first version of the agreement regarding rare earth minerals from the USA because Washington wanted the right to 50% of the mineral resources in Ukraine.
“I believe I am fair in wanting a dialogue. I will not sign what will burden ten generations of Ukrainians,” Zelensky stated.
In his opinion, the main point of the agreement should be clear security guarantees for Ukraine. The president discussed this, in particular, with US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant during his visit to Kyiv. He also expressed a desire to talk with US President Donald Trump about a peacekeeping contingent that would be in Ukraine after a ceasefire.
Justice for Fighters Excluded from the “18-24 Contract”
In response to questions from hromadske, the president mentioned that he asked to “address some issues” that did not work in the “18-24 contract.” This primarily concerns soldiers aged 18-24 who volunteered but are not covered by the new contract.
“We will resolve this issue. I believe that they (the military leadership – ed.) have not yet decided on normal rotations. People are indeed tired. I can thank them and say that both the military and the General Staff and the Ministry of Defense must do everything in the near future to help them support,” Zelensky noted.
Development of a Patriot Analog and Production of Other Weapons
Ukraine is working on developing an analog of the Patriot air defense system, the president reported.
He noted that Ukraine has not yet received some Patriot air defense systems that partners promised as far back as July 2024. Therefore, Ukraine is currently working to obtain the promised systems and is also engaged in producing its own analogs.
In total, Ukraine currently needs 20 Patriot systems.
Zelensky also mentioned that in 2024, Ukraine produced the following weaponry:
- 154 artillery systems;
- 2.2 million FPV drones;
- 100,000 long-range drones.
He noted that this year there will be more drones, and Ukraine's contribution to weapon production will increase to 50%.
The President Commented on the Election Topic and Assured That He Does Not Intend to Stay in Power for Decades
The issue of elections has started to be raised in the USA, but partners have not brought up this topic, the president assured.
He also reacted to Trump’s statements directed at him regarding this issue: “Certainly, I would not describe those words from President Trump as compliments, to put it mildly. I understand that, yes. But why be offended? Only a dictator would be offended by the word ‘dictator.’ As for me, I perceive it as… Well, we will live with the United States of America. We definitely will not be dictators. It’s just not interesting.”
Zelensky added that he is a legally elected president and that elections will take place after the state of martial law ends.
“I do not intend to be in power for a decade. But we will not allow Putin to remain in power in Ukraine. For me, honestly, it is important what Ukrainians think of me, to be honest. I think, as with President Trump, it is important what Americans think of him,” Zelensky added.
He also emphasized the importance of security and democracy. In particular, Zelensky noted that currently, there would be no opportunity for military personnel and residents in frontline areas to vote, and this also concerns the readiness of observers to be present at polling stations.
“How can we recognize elections where half the population will not vote?” the president added.
Zelensky Has Not Seen Hints of Disconnection from Starlink
As Zelensky noted, there were no “hints” regarding a possible disconnection from Starlink that he had seen, he only saw this in the media.
The president believes that disconnecting Starlink would be “incorrect.” Currently, Ukraine has 45,000 such systems, particularly in hospitals, kindergartens, schools, and universities.
“We are grateful for these technologies, but this is not free assistance. We are paying for them,” he stated.