Zelensky Heads to Washington: Ukraine and U.S. Strike Landmark Deal on Resources & Security.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to travel to Washington, DC in the coming days following reports that Ukraine and the United States have reached an agreement involving natural resources and reconstruction efforts, according to a Ukrainian official.
For several days, negotiations have been ongoing regarding a deal that could allow the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. This agreement is seen as part of broader discussions to bring an end to Russia’s invasion while also securing U.S. participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction fund.
A Ukrainian official, as cited by Reuters, stated that the final terms of the agreement were settled after removing provisions deemed unacceptable. The updated version of the deal, the official said, now clearly outlines how it will contribute to Ukraine’s security and long-term stability.
While specific details of the agreement remain undisclosed, one major issue had been the Trump administration’s previous demand for a $500 billion share of Ukraine’s rare earth and other minerals in return for the aid provided to Kyiv. President Zelensky had initially rejected this demand.
As of now, the U.S. has not publicly confirmed whether an official deal has been finalized.
“I hear that Zelensky is coming on Friday. Certainly, it’s OK with me if he’d like to, and he would like to sign it together with me. And I understand that’s a big deal, very big deal,” U.S. President Donald Trump said from the Oval Office on Tuesday, February 25.
When asked about what Ukraine would receive as part of the minerals deal, Trump responded: “$350 billion and lots of equipment, military equipment, and the right to fight on.”
Trump also stated that negotiations regarding rare earth minerals and other resources were largely concluded, emphasizing that further discussions on Ukraine’s security would take place later.
“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem,” Trump said. “I spoke with Russia about it. They didn’t seem to have a problem with it. So I think they understand … once we do this, they’re not going back in.”
Ukraine has consistently sought security guarantees, not only in hopes of reclaiming lost territories but also to prevent future Russian aggression if a peace deal is eventually reached. European leaders have echoed the need for these guarantees as a condition for any lasting agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.
During a meeting with Trump on Monday, French President Emmanuel Macron proposed strengthening Ukraine’s military capabilities. He also suggested that, if necessary, British and French troops could be deployed to maintain peace.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is set to visit the White House on Thursday, has emphasized that a U.S. security “backstop” is essential for any Ukrainian peace agreement. This could include intelligence sharing, air support, and heavy transport assistance.
CNN reported that Zelensky initially rejected an earlier version of the deal, as it lacked any binding American commitments while still requiring significant concessions from Ukraine.
During his White House visit on Monday, Macron praised Trump’s willingness to work with Zelensky, calling the rare earth minerals agreement an important step for both Ukraine and the United States.
As discussions continue, attention now turns to Zelensky’s expected visit to Washington, where further details on the agreement and its implications for Ukraine’s future security and reconstruction efforts may be unveiled.
