Trump offers assurances Ukraine will agree to ‘very important’ rare earth minerals deal

President Donald Trump expressed confidence on Thursday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would agree to a rare earth minerals deal ahead of his visit to the White House the following day. The Trump administration is pushing for Zelenskyy to sign an agreement that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s minerals in exchange for the support the U.S. has provided the country since Russia’s invasion in 2022. With Congress allocating $175 billion in aid to Ukraine since 2022, the deal is seen as a significant step in strengthening the bond between the two nations.

Trump emphasized the mutual benefits of the minerals agreement, stating that it would provide the U.S. with access to essential resources such as oil and gas. He mentioned that the agreement would create opportunities for job creation in Ukraine and strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

While Trump hinted at progress in peace negotiations, he refrained from discussing details until a deal was finalized. He expressed optimism that Russian President Vladimir Putin would honor any agreement reached, signaling a positive outlook on potential peace in the region.

Ahead of Zelenskyy’s visit, Trump avoided reiterating previous comments where he referred to the Ukrainian leader as a “dictator.” The exchange of barbs between the two leaders highlighted the tensions surrounding the peace negotiations, with Zelenskyy accusing Trump of advancing Russian disinformation and Trump criticizing Zelenskyy’s leadership.

Despite the verbal sparring, efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine continued, with U.S. officials meeting with Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia to advance peace talks. Zelenskyy’s absence from the negotiations raised concerns, as he emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s involvement in any decision-making process regarding the conflict.

As the U.S. seeks to wind down the war in Ukraine, international leaders like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have expressed support for lasting peace in the region. Starmer announced the UK’s readiness to send troops to Ukraine if needed, while Macron advised caution in dealing with Russia and emphasized the need for substantial outcomes in any peace deal.

In conclusion, the upcoming meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy signifies a crucial moment in the ongoing efforts to secure peace in Ukraine. The potential rare earth minerals deal and diplomatic engagements with international partners underscore the significance of achieving a lasting resolution to the conflict.