Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Washington on Friday for a high-stakes meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.
The talks, taking place at the White House, center on a new agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources. Zelensky also aims to secure security guarantees as the U.S. engages in peace negotiations with Russia.
Rare Metals Agreement and U.S. Investment
As reported by HotNews.ro, Ukraine and the U.S. have finalized a framework agreement for American investment in Ukrainian mineral extraction.
The deal is expected to give U.S. companies preferential access to Ukraine’s rare earth elements and other strategic minerals. However, the financial terms and specific commitments remain unclear.
Trump has insisted that Ukraine compensate the U.S. for previous military and economic aid, which he estimates at $500 billion—far higher than the $120 billion calculated by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy.
While Zelensky has rejected the idea of Ukraine owing a debt to the U.S., the new agreement establishes a joint U.S.-Ukrainian fund where revenues from mineral exports will be deposited.
Security Guarantees a Key Condition
For Ukraine, any transfer of its mineral resources to Western allies must come with security assurances.
Kyiv has long sought NATO membership as the ultimate safeguard against future Russian aggression, but Washington has ruled this out, fearing it would derail peace talks with Moscow.
Zelensky hopes to use the White House meeting to determine whether the U.S. will continue military aid to Ukraine, particularly in the event of a ceasefire. He is also pushing for a NATO-led peacekeeping force should an armistice be reached with Russia.
The draft mineral agreement references U.S. support for Ukraine’s security but does not contain concrete guarantees.
The document states that the "Government of the United States supports Ukraine’s efforts to obtain the necessary security guarantees for establishing a lasting peace."
Trump’s Shifting Stance on Ukraine
The meeting comes after a week of tense rhetoric between the two leaders. Trump recently attacked Zelensky, calling him a "comedian with modest success" and accusing him of choosing war with Russia. He also questioned Ukraine’s participation in U.S.-Russia peace negotiations.
However, in a shift in tone ahead of Zelensky’s visit, Trump downplayed his past remarks.
When asked about his criticism, he responded, "Did I say that? I can't believe I said that," before changing the subject and affirming his "very good relationship" with the Ukrainian president.
As the two leaders meet, the focus remains on whether the U.S. will balance economic cooperation with Ukraine’s security concerns, especially as Washington continues behind-the-scenes peace talks with Moscow.
