Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss a minerals deal amidst ongoing war negotiations. Despite previous tensions where Trump called Zelensky a “dictator,” he later commended his bravery. Zelensky emphasized that peace talks should not include compromises with Russia, while Trump insisted Ukraine must make concessions. The minerals deal would grant the US access to Ukraine’s resources in exchange for security assurances. European leaders, including French President Macron, support this strategy to keep the US engaged in Ukraine’s recovery and ensure its sovereignty in future peace negotiations.
Washington DC:
Today, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky convened with US President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss a minerals agreement for the United States, part of the ongoing negotiations aimed at establishing a truce in the protracted conflict in Ukraine.
The encounter occurs amid escalating tensions following President Trump’s earlier remarks, in which he labeled the Ukrainian leader a “dictator” and held him responsible for “starting the war” with Russia. However, he retracted his statement just a day prior to the meeting, questioning, “Did I really say that?” and praised Zelensky for his courage.
At the outset of the discussions, President Zelensky emphasized to Donald Trump that “there should be no compromises with a killer on our territory” during peace negotiations, implicitly referencing Russian President Vladimir Putin. In response, President Trump clearly stated that “Ukraine will have to make compromises in a truce with Russia.”
Prior to the meeting, President Zelensky expressed his belief that “I think President Trump is on our side.” He also communicated to the US President that American support in safeguarding Ukraine from Russian threats is “absolutely crucial” for the peacekeepers.
Donald Trump remarked that “a truce with Russia is fairly close” and characterized the agreement allowing US access to Ukraine’s natural resources as “very fair.”
The signing of a resource agreement will enable the United States to access rare-earth and other vital minerals, forming a key part of the overall strategy to assist Ukraine’s recovery post-truce with Russia.
THE MINERALS DEAL
The primary focus of today’s meeting is centered on this minerals deal, which aims to secure Washington’s commitment to provide Kyiv with necessary security against Russia. This agreement is pivotal as it lays the groundwork for subsequent discussions on reaching a peace settlement for the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has persisted for over three years.
The US, shouldering the largest share of responsibility among NATO allies for providing security across Europe, has been urging all participants to substantially increase their contributions towards military and financial support. Donald Trump has warned that he may consider withdrawing American security support for Europe if other nations do not step up.
In the past, President Trump has expressed skepticism about the benefits of US involvement in Ukraine, stating that “Europe has a guarantee on what it has spent on Ukraine, but the US does not.” Amid these concerns, European leaders, with President Zelensky’s consent, have proposed that Ukraine pursue a minerals agreement with Washington. This would create a path for the US to recover its expenditures in Ukraine, both in terms of security and aiding in the nation’s reconstruction post-conflict. European leaders believe that this approach will help keep the US invested in Ukraine, thereby ensuring Kyiv’s security.
WHAT EUROPE SAYS
Earlier this week, President Emmanuel Macron of France, representing the European Union, met with President Donald Trump in Washington DC. Their discussions primarily revolved around securing a peace agreement regarding the Ukraine conflict, with President Macron outlining a potential roadmap for achieving a ceasefire.
Macron stated, “For me, the sequence of the ceasefire agreement should be as follows – first, there should be negotiations between the US and Russia, followed by discussions between the US and Ukraine. President Trump has announced today his willingness to engage in a short-term meeting with Ukraine’s President Zelensky – this is extremely important.”
“A truce could indeed materialize in the coming weeks,” he added, indicating that “the truce must be upheld on land, in the air, and at sea, and infrastructure installed in Ukraine must be respected by Russia. If it fails to comply, it will demonstrate that Moscow is not serious about a peace agreement” and respecting Ukraine’s sovereignty.
“During this truce, we will engage in negotiations regarding security guarantees from Moscow, as well as matters of land and territories that may need to be reclaimed or surrendered. It will be the Ukrainian President’s responsibility to safeguard Kyiv’s interests,” President Macron noted.
“For the United States,” he elaborated, Washington “will secure a deal on rare earth and other critical minerals.” He confirmed that France and the rest of Europe would support this arrangement, arguing that such a minerals deal for the US “is significant, as it would best guarantee that the US remains committed” and does not withdraw from ensuring Ukraine’s safety and sovereignty.
Through these strategic maneuvers, with all parties deeply invested in upholding Ukraine’s sovereignty, a peace agreement finally appears attainable, he concluded.