Zelensky to Meet Trump for Minerals Deal Agreement
Details of the Deal
The details of the mineral resources deal have not been fully disclosed.
The deal is expected to create an investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Tensions between Zelensky and Trump over the deal had arisen due to disagreements on the specifics, including a rejected request for $500bn in mineral wealth from the US.
US-Ukraine Minerals Deal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will meet US President Donald Trump to sign an agreement regarding Ukraine’s mineral resources.
The deal is described by Zelensky as a preliminary agreement, with hopes for additional agreements, including security guarantees from the US.
Trump’s Stance on Security
Trump stated the US would not offer security guarantees beyond a limited scope.
He suggested that Europe should take on the responsibility for security in Ukraine, particularly for NATO membership.
NATO Membership Ambitions
Trump ruled out Ukraine’s potential NATO membership, aligning with Russia’s concerns.
Zelensky emphasized that without security guarantees, a ceasefire would not be possible, expressing a desire for a NATO-like agreement.
US Role in Ukrainian Security
Trump proposed that the presence of US workers extracting rare earth metals in Ukraine would provide “automatic security.”
He also suggested European peacekeepers could be involved in a ceasefire agreement, though Russia opposes this.
EU Involvement in the Deal
EU representatives were not included in the initial talks between the US and Russia.
Kaja Kallas, the EU High Representative, emphasized that any peace deal would require European consent.
