Zelenskyy Rejects Debt Repayment in US Aid Agreement
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Wednesday that Kyiv would not accept any debt repayment conditions in its agreement with the US, CE Report quotes Anadolu Agency
“We are grateful, but if the next agreement includes a condition that new aid will not be free, I will not play,” Zelenskyy told journalists in Kyiv.
He also dismissed claims of massive debts tied to the deal on mineral resources, denying figures of $500 billion, $350 billion, or even $100 billion. “That would be unfair to us,” he said.
Zelenskyy emphasized that the agreement does not require ratification and stressed the importance of maintaining Ukraine’s military strength. “I will keep the army as it is because it is the best guarantee of security,” he stated.
He noted that security guarantees for Ukraine are included in the deal, particularly in its 10th point. “Officials briefed me, and it is there. This is important,” he added.
Regarding a possible visit to the US, Zelenskyy expressed hopes of meeting former President Donald Trump in Washington, saying, “There was an invitation. The offices are working. We are waiting to see when and what.”
Following the US visit, he plans to travel to London for a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Zelenskyy acknowledged that the success of the agreement largely depends on discussions with Trump. While he has yet to review the final version, Ukrainian officials view it positively. “They say, ‘It can work.’ The key issues I raised are there,” he concluded.
