A high-stakes meeting is set to unfold at the White House as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky prepares to sign a significant mineral agreement with the United States. This development follows President Donald Trump’s decision to retract his hefty $500 billion demand.
In a press conference held in Kyiv, Zelensky expressed optimism about the potential success of the deal, emphasizing the importance of continued U.S. aid to Ukraine. The two leaders are scheduled to meet on Friday, February 28, with Zelensky stating, “The success will depend on our conversation with President Trump.”
Details of the mineral agreement remain under wraps, but Zelensky has made it clear that he is seeking security guarantees from the U.S. During the Biden administration, the U.S. was a crucial military aid provider to Ukraine, a commitment now uncertain with Trump’s return to the Oval Office. Trump has suggested revisiting the nature of U.S. assistance to Ukraine.
Zelensky is adamant that security assurances must be part of the deal, insisting on at least a “sentence” regarding military promises from the U.S. However, Trump has reiterated his stance that such guarantees should come from Europe, Ukraine’s “next door neighbor.”
Previously, Trump had demanded $500 billion worth of minerals from Ukraine in exchange for U.S. assistance, a demand that has since been dropped. According to a BBC report, a senior Ukrainian official confirmed that an agreement has been reached regarding U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare natural resources.
In a recent cabinet meeting, Trump confirmed the upcoming meeting with Zelensky, stating that the countries would sign a comprehensive minerals deal that would allow the U.S. to “get our money back.” He added, “We’re going to get a lot of money in the future, and I think that’s appropriate because we have taxpayers that shouldn’t be footing the bill. It’s all been worked out.”
Despite the progress, the two leaders may face disagreements, particularly on the issue of security guarantees. Trump has made it clear that the U.S. will not provide these assurances, suggesting instead that Europe should take on that responsibility.
As Trump prepares for a busy week, he is also set to host UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer today, February 27, before his meeting with Zelensky on Friday.
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