Zelenskyy responds to whether he regrets including Ukraine's natural resources in Victory Plan

Zelenskyy spoke about this during a press conference.

He stated that the Victory Plan contains several important elements: NATO membership for Ukraine, security guarantees that include a deterrent weapons package — specifically, long-range missiles that only the United States possesses, which could be used in the future if Russian forces cross Ukraine’s border. He also mentioned the Ukrainian army, which, according to Zelenskyy, is 100% equipped.

“And then there are our mineral resources, which must be protected by everything I just mentioned: NATO, the Ukrainian army, and long-range capabilities,” said the President of Ukraine.

He explained that in order to prevent the “wild world” — namely Russia, North Korea, and Iran (in the form of Iranian weapons) — from gaining access to these resources through aggression and violence, Ukraine must open up opportunities and have a strong partner that provides all of this. That is why the point about natural resources is included in the Victory Plan.

“…this is victory, because it is the preservation of Ukraine’s independence, for which a price must be paid. And that is absolutely normal,” Zelenskyy added.

• President Volodymyr Zelenskyy commented on the new American draft agreement regarding Ukraine's rare earth minerals, stating that it includes provisions that both sides had previously rejected.
• In addition, he explained why he does not want to negotiate directly with Vladimir Putin, preferring instead to engage with other representatives of Russia.