Zelenskyy ready ‘to do a deal’ with Trump on raw earth minerals and military assistance

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is gearing up for a crucial meeting with Vice President JD Vance at the upcoming Munich Security Conference. This meeting comes after Zelenskyy confirmed his readiness to strike a deal with former President Donald Trump during an interview with Reuters. The deal would involve Ukraine supplying the U.S. with rare-earth minerals in exchange for continued support in its war effort.

Zelenskyy has expressed his willingness to engage in peace talks with Russia to bring an end to the ongoing conflict that has plagued the region for the past three years. However, the terms and conditions for securing a peace deal remain uncertain. The Ukrainian president is adamant about receiving guarantees for future security assurances for his country, given Russia’s history of violating agreements, such as the 1994 Budapest Memorandum.

Under Zelenskyy’s proposed “victory plan,” Ukraine would provide rare-earth minerals to the U.S., with a significant portion of these resources located in territories now controlled by Russia. These minerals are crucial for the production of consumer electronics and electric engines. Zelenskyy has raised concerns that Russia could potentially supply these resources to its allies, posing a threat to global security.

Despite Trump’s absence at the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy is expected to lead the Ukrainian delegation and meet with Vice President Vance and special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg. Trump had hinted at a potential meeting with Zelenskyy in Washington, D.C. following the conference to discuss ways to end the conflict.

As Russia continues its military campaign in eastern Ukraine, claiming victories such as the capture of the mining town of Toretsk, Kyiv remains steadfast in its efforts to push back against Russian advances. Ukrainian forces have initiated a new offensive in Russia’s Kursk region, demonstrating their resolve to protect their sovereignty and secure a favorable position for ceasefire negotiations.

Zelenskyy’s proactive approach to the conflict highlights Ukraine’s determination to defend its territory and seek diplomatic solutions to end the war. The upcoming meetings with U.S. officials and potential talks with Russia signal a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict, with hopes for a peaceful resolution on the horizon.