In Washington, a significant meeting is planned between Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump, which marks a critical period for Ukraine. This meeting is crucial for Zelenskyy, who hopes to secure U.S. support to bolster Ukraine’s security against potential Russian aggression.
During this visit, it’s anticipated that President Zelenskyy’s delegation will finalize a groundbreaking economic agreement with the United States. This deal, aimed at financing Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts in war-stricken areas, is expected to create lasting ties between Ukraine and the U.S. Although the deal underscores the importance of Ukraine’s security, it separates this issue for additional discussions between Trump and Zelenskyy, likely to occur on Friday.
With Russian forces advancing steadily, Ukrainian leaders are pushing for a peace plan backed by the U.S. that guarantees future security for Ukraine. Concerns linger in Ukraine regarding a potential peace deal that might appease Russian demands, which could allow Russia to rebuild and pose a renewed threat after hostilities stop.
The preliminary economic agreement outlines the creation of a jointly managed investment fund. This fund aims to enhance infrastructure and development by utilizing half of Ukraine’s future natural resource revenues. Further specifics on the fund’s establishment will follow after signing the initial agreement.
Trump has presented this deal as a form for Ukraine to repay the U.S. aid provided during President Biden’s tenure. However, Zelenskyy insists that any agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s resources must include specific security assurances for Ukraine. On Wednesday, Zelenskyy stated, “I wish to comprehend the broader vision for Ukraine’s future security.”
Trump has not committed to providing explicit security guarantees, stating to reporters, “I’m not going to make security guarantees… very much. We’re going to have Europe do that.” This stance has sparked discussions about involving European forces in a potential peace-keeping mission between Ukraine and Russia, should a truce be formed.
For any peace-keeping mission to advance, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have shown readiness to deploy troops to Ukraine. Both leaders recently visited Washington before Zelenskyy’s trip to engage in talks with Trump about these prospects.
However, White House officials doubt the readiness of Britain and France to marshal a credible peacekeeping force. A “consensual peace settlement” between the conflicting nations is likely needed to gather multinational support, according to a senior U.S. official who remained anonymous under White House-set briefing guidelines.
While Ukrainian officials don’t expect U.S. troops, Europeans emphasize the necessity of U.S. backing for the ground troops through aerial support and rapid-response operations. Starmer conveyed to Trump that this moment could birth a historic peace agreement celebrated by Ukraine and the world, stressing the importance of a carefully constructed deal.
Zelenskyy has not specified preferred security guarantees but advocates for NATO membership or a similar arrangement. Nonetheless, Trump expressed skepticism about Ukraine’s NATO inclusion, remarking, “Ukraine could forget about” joining the alliance.
This face-to-face meeting, the first since Trump’s inauguration in January, is viewed as a diplomatic success for Ukraine. Zelenskyy values meeting Trump before Russian President Vladimir Putin, interpreting it as a promising signal.
Zelenskyy plans to address concerns over potential U.S. military aid termination and the feasibility of Ukraine purchasing U.S. arms. He also seeks clarity on utilizing frozen Russian assets for defense and U.S. plans regarding sanctions on Russia.
Fears of Trump brokering an unfavorable peace deal with Russia are heightened by recent actions, such as a lengthy phone call between Trump and Putin and U.S. meetings with Russian officials excluding European or Ukrainian leaders, both breaking from traditional U.S. policy.
Attempting to ease tensions with the U.S. in Washington, American officials highlight that the economic deal’s execution could provide security through U.S. investment presence in Ukraine. Trump remarked that U.S. involvement in Ukraine’s mineral extraction equates to security due to American regional presence.
This perspective aligns with the economic agreement’s text, highlighting U.S. support for Ukraine’s security endeavors necessary for enduring peace. Washington pledges “a long-term financial commitment to a stable, economically thriving Ukraine,” ensuring a future joint venture between the two nations.
