Zelensky to sign major mineral deal with U.S. to improve relations with Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit Washington on Friday to sign a crucial mineral deal with the United States.

This move comes as part of an effort to smooth over relations with U.S. President Donald Trump, who confirmed the upcoming deal.

Joint Mineral Resources Deal in the Works

According to various news sources, both Ukraine and the U.S. have agreed on a deal related to Ukraine‍‍`s mineral resources. 

If this deal goes through, it is believed that the relationship between Trump and Zelensky could improve significantly. 

A high-ranking official from Kyiv shared that the deal might involve a joint effort between Ukraine and the U.S. to manage the country‍‍`s mineral resources. 

The profits from these resources would go into a newly created fund, with both nations sharing the earnings.

No Security Guarantees in the Deal

However, Zelensky had previously rejected Trump‍‍`s claims about Ukraine‍‍`s mineral assets. 

Trump had asked for over $50 billion in minerals and $6 billion in U.S. military aid, but these demands are not part of the new draft agreement. 

Trump later remarked that this deal could potentially be worth as much as a trillion dollars.

Interestingly, the draft agreement does not include any security guarantees, even though Ukraine had requested them. 

Instead, the deal only references security but does not outline the specific role the U.S. will play. Both leaders are expected to discuss this issue further.

Peacekeeping Forces: A Point of Discussion

In addition, Trump has stressed the importance of peacekeeping forces in Ukraine. While some European countries are open to sending peacekeepers, Moscow’s stance has been more complicated. 

On Monday, Trump said that Russia had no objections to the presence of peacekeepers in Ukraine. However, the Kremlin later contradicted this by stating that they do have concerns.

Strained U.S.-Ukraine Relations: A Hope for Improvement

U.S.-Ukraine relations have been rocky during Trump’s time in office. Zelensky hopes that the mineral deal will help improve the strained ties. 

Last week, Trump called Zelensky a "dictatorial ruler" who had not held elections and lost support from the Ukrainian people. 

Trump also suggested that Zelensky should quickly sit down with Russia and work to end the ongoing war.

Military Aid at Stake: A Key Component of the Deal

Zelensky, in response, had accused Trump of being a victim of Russian disinformation. 

A Ukrainian official in Kyiv also mentioned that if the deal is finalized, U.S. military aid to Ukraine will remain in place, which they say is crucial for the country‍‍`s security.

What’s Next for U.S.-Ukraine Relations?

This mineral deal, if successful, could mark a turning point in U.S.-Ukraine relations and is being closely watched by both countries.