Trump and Zelenskyy to Sign Critical Minerals Deal at White House Meeting

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet US President Donald Trump on Friday at the White House, where they will sign a critical minerals agreement as Kyiv seeks to regain Washington’s support in its fight against the Russian invasion.

However, Zelenskyy faces a new reality under Trump, who has signaled a shift in US policy. The US president has expressed a desire to end the war quickly, improve relations with Moscow, and reassess American financial support for Ukraine. He has also taken a less committed stance on European security, raising concerns among US allies.

The change in tone from Washington has unsettled European leaders and sparked fears that Kyiv may be pressured into a peace deal favoring Russia.

The minerals agreement, negotiated in recent days, is expected to grant the US access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources. However, it does not include American security guarantees, which comes as a disappointment for Kyiv.

A Center for Strategic and International Studies report last year revealed that nearly two-thirds of the funds appropriated by Congress for Ukraine were spent within the US.

In recent weeks, Trump and Zelenskyy have engaged in a long-distance dispute, with Trump criticizing Zelenskyy’s war leadership and at one point referring to him as a dictator, while urging him to accept the minerals deal.

However, when asked about the remarks during a joint press conference with visiting British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, Trump denied making such statements.

“Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that,” he responded.

Trump also stated that he looks forward to meeting Zelenskyy and praised the Ukrainian military for its bravery.