Ukraine finance minister says country strong despite 'financial gap'

By Libby George and Karin Strohecker

LONDON (Reuters) -Ukrainian Finance Minister Serhii Marchenko said there is a "financial gap" in the country's budget for next year, but that Ukraine is stronger than it was a year ago and capable of continuing to defend itself.

Marchenko also said the minerals deal recently signed with the United States could help Washington better understand Ukraine.

"We made very good progress to strengthen our relationship," he said, referring to the United States when speaking during a panel discussion at the annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London.

"I hope it definitely can bring investment in Ukraine."

Ukraine has had a tempestuous relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump, who had promised to broker a quick end to the war with Russia after he took office in January.

Peace talks are scheduled to take place in Turkey on Thursday, but it is unclear whether Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin or Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will attend.

Marchenko said Ukrainian officials had worked to cooperate with U.S. officials to exhibit their "eagerness and respect for the United States."

"It is in our interest to find all possible means - I want to stress all possible means - and to be on the same side with the United States in a way, how to help us to resolve this war," he said.

(Reporting by Karin Strohecker and Libby GeorgeEditing by Rod Nickel)