Ukraine’s Zelensky in Washington to talk mineral deal with Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is in Washington, D.C. to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump about a reported deal to share Ukraine’s rare earth mineral resources.

Zelensky has described the bilateral deal as “preliminary,” and said he wants further agreements which include U.S. security guarantees to deter any renewed Russian aggression.

He said Ukraine would not sign the deal until he and Trump “agree on security guarantees” and decide on how to “tie this preliminary agreement” to a US security guarantee.

An important visit to the United States. In Washington, I met with a bipartisan delegation from the U.S. Senate.

Our discussions focused on the continued military assistance for Ukraine, relevant legislative initiatives, my meeting with President Trump, efforts to achieve a just… pic.twitter.com/KJcosUpygc

— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 28, 2025

Trump said a mineral deal would help American taxpayers “get their money back” for aid sent to Ukraine during the war and added that the responsibility of the country’s security should be Europe’s responsibility.

Earlier this week Trump commented on seemingly ruling out the prospect of Ukraine becoming a NATO member — one of Zelensky’s long-held goals.

Zelensky first discussed a minerals deal with then presidential candidate Donald Trump last September.

Following the heated meeting Trump said that Zelensky can return to the Oval office when he is “ready for peace.”

“We had a very meaningful meeting in the White House today. Much was learned that could never be understood without conversation under such fire and pressure. It’s amazing what comes out through emotion, and I have determined that President Zelenskyy is not ready for Peace if… pic.twitter.com/CtnqXBNcW3

— President Donald J. Trump (@POTUS) February 28, 2025

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