Zelensky added that talks between Kyiv and Washington about precious minerals in the war-torn country are moving forward but explained a deal with the US could not work if it asked Ukraine to return the value of aid already given by Washington.
In a wide-ranging exchange with reporters, the Ukrainian president explained that he was not planning to hold power for decades to come but insisted that he would not allow Russian president Vladimir Putin to have control over his country.
It comes after tensions have been high between Kyiv and Washington after US president Donald Trump labelled Mr Zelensky as a “dictator” on social media.
But the Ukrainian president told reporters that there was no opportunity for emotions three years after Russia invaded Ukraine and explained he must have a pragmatic approach towards relations with America.
He refused to acknowledge that Ukraine owed the US $500 billion for the wartime aid which Washington has provided to Kyiv, a figure often cited by Trump.
