Zelenskyy to sign minerals pact at White House Friday

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to travel to the United States, where he will meet President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday. The visit is aimed at finalizing a crucial minerals deal between the two nations. This announcement came at the onset of a Cabinet meeting held by Trump on Wednesday.

In Kyiv earlier that day, Zelenskyy spoke about the progress of an economic agreement being developed with the United States. Although substantial progress has been made, he mentioned that the deal still lacks the security guarantees that Ukraine considers necessary amid its ongoing conflict with Russian forces.

Full completion of the agreement hinges on upcoming discussions planned in Washington, potentially occurring as soon as Friday. During a press conference, Zelenskyy emphasized that this framework is an initial move towards a more comprehensive pact, awaiting ratification by the Ukrainian parliament.

A key aspect of the forthcoming discussions is understanding the United States’ continuing military support. Zelenskyy looks forward to an extensive dialogue with Trump to discern the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations, especially concerning security assurances.

Reflecting on recent interactions, Trump has expressed that any further assistance from the U.S. could require Ukraine to make strategic concessions, particularly regarding access to its rich mineral deposits vital to various industries. This pressure forms part of the broader geopolitical dynamics following the Russian invasion, which commenced on February 24, 2022.

Zelenskyy initially resisted U.S. proposals, arguing a lack of adequate security commitments and expressing concerns over the financial burden on Ukraine due to the proposed $500 billion deal. Nonetheless, securing this investment is seen as pivotal for ensuring U.S. engagement in Ukraine’s future.

A draft of the agreement notes U.S. support for Ukraine’s quest for lasting peace through security guarantees but stops short of detailing specific promises. It mentions intentions to safeguard mutual investments as laid out in the agreement.

Following Zelenskyy’s statements, a White House official reiterated that moving forward with the deal is critical for Trump’s meeting with Zelenskyy. The arrangement between the two countries could signify a significant diplomatic milestone or dissipate quietly, as noted by Zelenskyy. Success is contingent on discussions with President Trump, he added.

Zelenskyy expressed his desire to closely align Ukraine’s strategies with the United States, acknowledging Trump’s unpredictable shifts in foreign policy, including lessening isolation tactics against Russian President Vladimir Putin and questioning U.S. commitments to European allies. These changes have the potential to reshape the conflict’s trajectory.

Meanwhile, diplomatic activities continue on other fronts, with Russian and American officials slated to meet in Istanbul on Thursday to discuss their embassy operations in Moscow and Washington, according to Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Among the points Zelenskyy hopes to address with Trump is the possibility of halting military support and exploring options for Ukraine to make direct arms purchases from the U.S., along with utilizing frozen Russian assets for weapon acquisitions and investments. Additionally, there are queries about the future of sanctions on Russia.

In preparation for future arrangements, the preliminary economic deal outlines a framework for an investment fund dedicated to Ukraine’s reconstruction, as reported by Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.