Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday to formalize an agreement on Ukraine’s mineral resource-sharing.
Zelensky has termed the deal as preliminary and seeks further agreements, including US security assurances to deter potential Russian aggression. However, Trump dismissed the idea of extensive guarantees, stating that Europe should bear the primary responsibility.
Trump also appeared to reject Ukraine’s NATO membership aspirations, reiterating claims that the issue contributed to the conflict. During a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, he asserted that the presence of American workers extracting rare earth metals in Ukraine would provide "automatic security" for Kyiv.
While Trump suggested that a ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine was imminent, Zelensky maintained that without security guarantees, a lasting ceasefire would not be possible. He emphasized the need for a NATO pathway or a similar alternative.
Russia has long opposed Ukraine’s NATO membership, fearing its proximity to its borders. In 2008, NATO stated Ukraine could eventually join, a prospect Moscow continues to resist.
Trump proposed European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine as part of a ceasefire arrangement, but Russia strongly opposed the idea. Notably, European representatives were absent from Washington’s initial talks with Moscow.
Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs, stated that any peace deal affecting Europe must involve European nations. While the mineral resources agreement is Ukraine’s decision, she emphasized that European involvement is essential in broader negotiations.
Zelensky stated that the success of the minerals deal, formally endorsed by his government, hinges on his meeting with Trump. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal disclosed that the deal includes an "investment fund" for Ukraine’s reconstruction, though key details remain undisclosed.
Zelensky initially proposed the agreement last year to secure continued US support for Ukraine. However, disagreements over the terms have fueled tensions between him and Trump. The Ukrainian president previously rejected a US request for $500 billion in mineral wealth, but reports suggest the demand has since been dropped.
Both sides are presenting the deal differently—Trump touting it as a "very big agreement" to recover US financial support for Ukraine, while Zelensky describes it as a "framework agreement" for further negotiations.
Seeking a swift resolution to the war, Trump has attempted to reset ties with Russia. After speaking with Russian President Vladimir Putin, US and Russian delegations engaged in bilateral talks in Saudi Arabia, excluding Ukraine from the discussions. In response, Zelensky accused the US of aiding Putin’s diplomatic resurgence and criticized Trump for aligning with "Russian disinformation."
Ukraine, rich in critical raw materials, estimates that 5% of the world's reserves lie within its borders. However, access remains challenging, as Russia has seized some deposits. Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko revealed that $350 billion worth of resources are in Russian-occupied areas. Additionally, unexploded landmines across a quarter of Ukraine’s territory pose further obstacles.
Putin has also expressed willingness to grant the US access to rare minerals, including those in occupied Ukrainian territories.
Meanwhile, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is set to meet separately with Trump and Zelensky in Washington to discuss the ongoing conflict. He is scheduled to arrive later on Wednesday.
Source: BBC
BDST: 0942HRS, FEB 27, 202
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