You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out: Trump to Zelenskyy

Remarks from Donald Trump to Volodymyr Zelenskyy made during the meeting in the White House:

1) You’re either going to make a deal or we’re out. If the U.S. pulls out, Ukraine will have to fight to the very end. I don’t think that will be pretty, but you will fight to the end, and you have no cards to play.

2) We will strike a fair deal, and we expect to receive some of the rare earth metals. This is a major commitment for the United States, and Washington values working with Ukraine. The U.S. will use these resources for defense and technological needs, including AI.

3) We will sign the agreement at a conference in the East Room, immediately after lunch. This is an important moment, but the truly significant moment will be when the shooting stops and the deal is sealed.

4) The U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal will bring in a lot of money.

5) The United States does not want to send a lot of weapons to Ukraine. Washington wants the conflict in Ukraine to end. We are impatiently waiting for the war to be over so we can focus on other matters.

6) We have negotiated with the Russians—I have spoken with Putin. And we will try to do that. What you want is also what he wants. We need to negotiate a deal. I am doing this to save lives… Secondly, to save a lot of money, though I think that is far less important.

7) Right now, Ukraine is losing the war against Russia. You are playing with millions of lives. You are gambling with World War III… What you are doing is highly disrespectful to this country [the U.S.].

8) Say a few words of gratitude to the United States and the president who is trying to save your country. Your military force is shrinking, yet you tell us you don’t want a ceasefire.

9) We are committed to NATO, but NATO must get stronger, and Europe must step up more than it has now… We have invested far more than they have, and I think they need to match up.