Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Donald Trump come to agreement on minerals deal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reached a draft agreement on a minerals deal with the White House, according to President Donald Trump. The deal, which is set to be finalized during Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington, D.C. on Friday, will grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s natural resources in exchange for American support in the country’s conflict with Russia.
Trump revealed that negotiations between the two leaders are well underway, with a focus on securing general security for Ukraine in addition to the minerals deal. The agreement, which has been in the works for several days, is seen as a crucial step in strengthening the relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
The pact, which includes provisions for rare earth minerals, titanium, iron, and uranium, is part of Trump’s efforts to recoup the costs of U.S. aid to Ukraine. Since his inauguration in January, Trump has made it a priority to gain access to Ukrainian resources as a way to offset the financial burden of supporting the war-torn country.
However, the negotiations have not been without their challenges. Trump’s recent social media post criticizing Zelenskyy as a “modestly successful comedian” and questioning his leadership skills has added a layer of tension to the discussions. Despite these obstacles, both leaders seem determined to move forward with the deal.
In a separate interview, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent praised the potential partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine, emphasizing the economic benefits it could bring to both countries. Bessent highlighted the strategic importance of the minerals deal and expressed confidence in the positive impact it could have on the Ukrainian economy.
Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed openness to collaborating with the U.S. on mining minerals in Russia and Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. Putin’s willingness to work with foreign partners, including American companies, signals a potential shift in Russia’s stance on the issue.
As the negotiations continue, all eyes will be on Zelenskyy’s upcoming visit to Washington, D.C. and the finalization of the minerals deal. The agreement has the potential to not only strengthen the ties between the U.S. and Ukraine but also to create new opportunities for economic growth and cooperation between the two countries.
