LONDON, May 14 (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.