Josh Weiner
U.S. President Donald Trump has announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to sign a “significant agreement” in the United States this Friday. While details remain undisclosed, discussions between Kyiv and Washington have focused on a potential deal involving Ukraine’s vast mineral resources in exchange for past U.S. financial support and possible security commitments.
Speaking ahead of the anticipated meeting, Trump framed the agreement as a financial win for the U.S., stating:
“We’ve been able to negotiate a deal where we’ll get our money back and much more in the future.”
He also suggested that peace negotiations with Russia could be on the horizon, emphasizing that Moscow would need to make “concessions” for a ceasefire agreement to take shape.
Ukraine’s Strategic Resources and Security Talks
The deal under discussion reportedly grants the United States access to Ukraine’s rare minerals, a critical asset in the global technology and defense industries. However, security guarantees—a key demand from Kyiv—remain uncertain.
During his nightly address, Zelensky underscored the importance of ensuring long-term security assurances as part of any agreement.
“Guarantees of peace and security are essential to preventing further aggression,” he stated.
Despite ongoing negotiations, sources suggest that a prior U.S. demand for $500 billion in potential mineral revenues has been dropped. However, Ukraine continues to push for explicit security commitments, a point of contention as Trump maintains that Europe should bear greater responsibility for Ukraine’s defense.
A High-Stakes Diplomatic Week in Washington
The meeting between Trump and Zelensky is set to be a defining moment for U.S.-Ukraine relations, potentially reshaping future economic and military ties. The agreement is expected to be finalized during their discussions in Washington, D.C. on Friday.
This visit also comes amid a flurry of diplomatic activity in the U.S. capital. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also scheduled to meet with Trump to discuss Ukraine’s defense needs, economic cooperation, and transatlantic security.
As the negotiations unfold, global attention will be focused on Washington to see whether the U.S. and Ukraine can strike a deal that balances economic interests, military support, and long-term stability in Eastern Europe.
