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In a significant diplomatic development, President Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will make a White House visit on Friday to finalize a minerals agreement, marking a crucial tie between the two nations.
The announcement came during Trump’s initial Cabinet meeting of his second term, where he emphasized the significance of the forthcoming agreement. The Republican president, who has consistently criticized the substantial U.S. taxpayer expenditure supporting Ukraine’s war effort against Russia under the Biden administration, views this deal as an opportunity for Ukraine to reciprocate.
The agreement would grant the United States access to Ukraine’s valuable rare earth minerals, essential components in aerospace, defense, and nuclear sectors. Trump expressed confidence in the deal’s financial benefits, suggesting it would compensate for previous aid and generate future revenue.
President Trump says Ukrainian President Zelenskyy will be coming to the White House on Friday to sign a rare earth minerals deal: "The American taxpayer now is going to get their money back — plus." pic.twitter.com/wCLETaqcWw
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) February 25, 2025
Earlier Wednesday in Kyiv, Zelenskyy acknowledged the establishment of an economic framework but emphasized that U.S. security guarantees, vital for Ukraine, remained unaddressed. He indicated that comprehensive discussions with Trump would be necessary, and any final agreement would require ratification by Ukraine’s parliament.
Trump maintained a reserved stance regarding security assurances, suggesting European nations should take primary responsibility. He proposed that U.S. presence in mineral extraction operations would provide inherent security through American personnel on Ukrainian soil.
The President dismissed Ukraine’s NATO aspirations and revealed his intention to engage directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin to negotiate an end to the conflict that began with Moscow’s 2022 invasion.
🚨 Zelenskyy agrees to sign off on the U.S. mineral partnership putting HALF of the upcoming profits into a combined account with NO assurance of U.S. military protection.
Once again, President Trump puts the American people’s interests first.
pic.twitter.com/wmqPaVA47R— Rochellemaryn 🌹🕊️ (@RochelleAz) February 25, 2025
Since his return to office, Trump has insisted on reciprocity for America’s substantial Ukrainian aid. The White House has strongly advocated for access to Ukraine’s mineral reserves, though initial proposals faced resistance from Zelenskyy, who worried about excessive debt burden and insufficient security guarantees.
The current draft agreement, reviewed by The Associated Press, acknowledges Ukraine’s security needs but doesn’t specify explicit U.S. commitments. A White House source, speaking anonymously, confirmed that accepting the agreement was necessary for Zelenskyy’s Friday meeting.
Zelenskyy seeks clarity on various issues, including potential changes to U.S. military support, weapons procurement options, the utilization of frozen Russian assets, and sanctions policies. The agreement also outlines framework for a Ukrainian reconstruction investment fund, according to Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
As diplomatic activities intensify, Russian and American officials are scheduled to meet in Istanbul Thursday to discuss embassy operations, as announced by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. These developments signal significant shifts in regional geopolitics that could reshape the conflict’s trajectory this year.
