Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is set to visit the United States to finalize a minerals agreement with Donald Trump.
Trump informed the press that Zelenskiy aims to visit Washington on February 28, 2025 to sign what he described as a “very big deal.” This announcement follows a week of tense exchanges between the two leaders, where Trump referred to his counterpart as a dictator.
The U.S. president has framed the agreement as a way to repay the billions in aid provided to Ukraine, while also suggesting that some form of peacekeeping forces may be necessary in Ukraine if a resolution to the conflict is reached.
Russia, which began its invasion of Ukraine three years ago, has consistently opposed any deployment of NATO troops.
Reports indicate that the U.S. and Ukraine have now come to an understanding regarding the terms of a draft minerals deal, which is crucial for Kyiv’s efforts to secure US’ backing as Trump aims to swiftly conclude the war with Russia.
According to Reuters, source familiar with the contents of the draft agreement said that it does not specify any U.S. security guarantees or continued flow of weapons but says that the United States wants Ukraine to be “free, sovereign and secure.”
One of the sources familiar with the deal said future weapons shipments are still being discussed between Washington and Kyiv.
Some European countries have said they would be willing to send peacekeeping forces to Ukraine. Trump said on Monday that Moscow would accept such peacekeepers, but the Kremlin denied that on Tuesday.
Trump’s rush to impose an end to Russia’s war in Ukraine and his lurch toward Moscow has stoked fears of far-reaching U.S. concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin that could undermine security in Ukraine and Europe and alter the geopolitical landscape.
