Amid Key Mineral Deal Talks, Trump Confirms Zelenskyy to Visit US on Friday- wna24

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump confirmed on Wednesday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will be visiting Washington on Friday to sign a landmark agreement providing the United States with access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and other natural resources.

Speaking at his first cabinet meeting of the week, Trump confirmed the visit and revealed that the agreement, which has been under negotiation for months, will grant the US access to Ukraine’s vast reserves of rare earth metals, a crucial component for advanced technology and military systems. 

The deal is expected to be worth up to $1 trillion, marking a significant development in US-Ukrainian relations.

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“I hear that he is coming on Friday. Certainly, it’s OK with me if he would like to. And he would like to sign it together with me, and I understand that’s a big deal, a very big deal,” Trump said, emphasizing the importance of the agreement. 

In his remarks, Trump made it clear that the deal would not only benefit Ukraine but also ensure that American taxpayers would “get their money back, plus,” following the hundreds of billions spent on military aid and support for Ukraine during the ongoing war. Trump criticized the war, stating it “should have never, ever happened,” and hinted that the deal would be part of a larger effort to stabilize the region and recoup US spending.

Trump’s comments came after media reports confirmed that Zelensky rejected an earlier draft of the deal, which would have ceded rights to approximately $500 billion worth of natural resources. The final agreement reportedly grants the US rights to access Ukraine’s mineral wealth, a move seen as strategically beneficial for both nations.

Asked what Ukraine would receive in return, Trump highlighted the substantial financial and military aid already provided by the US. He referenced the $350 billion in aid, including military equipment, that has been allocated to Ukraine, alongside the continued support for its fight against Russia.

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The US Congress approved $174 billion in aid to Ukraine between 2022 and 2024, according to the Congressional Research Service, underscoring the US’s significant investment in the war effort. 

The announcement of the agreement comes at a time of growing concerns over Trump’s approach to foreign policy, especially regarding Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia. While Trump has expressed support for Ukraine, his recent outreach to Russian President Vladimir Putin and his verbal criticisms of Zelensky have raised concerns in Kyiv and European capitals.

As President Zelensky prepares for his visit on Friday, all eyes will be on the signing of this deal.