Trump says Ukraine rare earth minerals deal will lead to ‘sustainable’ future between US, Ukraine
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that he is confident Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will sign a rare earth minerals deal during their Friday visit. This deal, according to Trump, will pave the way for the U.S. to become a partner with Ukraine in developing resources like oil and gas. As negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine War progress, the Trump administration is aiming 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 since Russia’s invasion in 2022.
Congress has allocated $175 billion in aid to Ukraine since 2022, and Trump sees the minerals agreement as a breakthrough deal that will benefit both countries. He believes it will not only reimburse U.S. taxpayers but also help Ukraine rebuild after the conflict. Trump emphasized that the agreement will allow the U.S. to access vital resources like oil and gas that are essential for the country’s needs.
During a meeting with U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Trump expressed optimism about the upcoming agreement, describing it as a significant milestone that will create opportunities for both nations. He also mentioned that peace negotiations are in the final stages, although no deal has been finalized. Trump refrained from discussing plans for a peacekeeping force until an agreement is reached.
When asked about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s commitment to a peace deal, Trump expressed confidence that Putin would honor his word. He also clarified that his previous comments labeling Zelenskyy as a “dictator” were not accurate and dodged the question by asking, “Did I say that?”
The Trump administration has been actively engaged in negotiations to end the conflict in Ukraine, with U.S. officials meeting Russian counterparts in Saudi Arabia earlier in February. However, the absence of Ukraine from the talks raised concerns for Zelenskyy, who emphasized that decisions should not be made without Ukraine’s involvement.
As tensions between Trump and Zelenskyy escalated, both leaders exchanged harsh words, with Zelenskyy accusing Trump of spreading Russian disinformation and Trump criticizing Zelenskyy’s leadership. Despite the verbal sparring, efforts to negotiate peace in Ukraine continued, with Russia pushing for elections as part of a peace deal.
Moving forward, Trump aims to work closely with allies like the U.K. and France to secure lasting peace in Ukraine. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed readiness to send troops to Ukraine if necessary, while French President Emmanuel Macron advised caution in dealing with Russia. Macron emphasized the importance of a substantial agreement to ensure peace in Ukraine.
In conclusion, the upcoming rare earth minerals deal between the U.S. and Ukraine holds promise for both countries and sets the stage for a more sustainable relationship. As negotiations for peace continue, Trump remains optimistic about the prospect of a historic deal that will bring an end to the conflict in Ukraine.
