Zelensky and Trump Set to Forge Minerals Agreement Amid Security Tensions

Zelensky seeks to finalize a minerals deal with Trump while emphasizing the need for stronger security guarantees from the U.S. to counter Russian threats, though Trump suggests responsibility should lie with Europe.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday, aimed at formalizing a bilateral agreement concerning Ukraine's mineral resources. Trump announced the upcoming signing of the preliminary deal, which Zelensky notes falls short of addressing broader security concerns amidst ongoing threats from Russia. The Ukrainian leader is advocating for additional agreements to solidify U.S. security assistance, but Trump has indicated limited guarantees will be provided and stressed that Europe should take on more responsibility.

During a cabinet meeting, Trump implied that the U.S. presence of workers extracting rare earth metals in Ukraine could provide a form of "automatic security," dismissing Ukraine's aspirations for NATO membership – a long-standing goal for Zelensky. According to Trump, NATO's presence near Russian borders was a key reason behind the ongoing conflict and suggested a ceasefire could be imminent, stating, "We're going to make a deal to stop killing people."

In response, Zelensky strongly asserted that without substantial security guarantees, achieving a ceasefire would be impossible. He expressed a desire to pursue a NATO-like framework that ensures Ukraine's safety. The notion of Ukrainian NATO membership is contentious, as Russia maintains strong opposition, fearing NATO expansion towards its borders.

Additionally, Trump proposed a potential ceasefire arrangement involving European peacekeeping forces, noting that any negotiations should ideally include European representatives—a claim supported by EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas. However, scheduled discussions between Kallas and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio recently faced cancellation due to scheduling conflicts.

The details surrounding the minerals deal remain largely undisclosed, though Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted it includes plans for an "investment fund" to aid Ukraine's reconstruction efforts. The agreement may be a strategic move by Zelensky to offer the U.S. clear incentives for ongoing support amidst rising tensions.

Despite prior disagreements over U.S. demands for access to $500 billion in mineral reserves, reports indicate that this request may have been withdrawn. Diverging narratives around the deal's significance have also emerged; Trump calls it a "very big agreement" aimed at recouping U.S. investments in Ukraine, while Zelensky refers to it as a foundational "framework agreement" for future negotiations.

While Trump seeks to expedite the resolution of the conflict and has recently engaged in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin—where Ukraine's interests appear sidelined—Zelensky has criticized the U.S. for enabling Putin's return from international isolation, alleging that Trump is influenced by Russian disinformation.

Located amidst critical natural resources, Ukraine holds an estimated 5% of the global supply of essential raw materials. However, gaining access to these resources presents challenges, particularly in regions under Russian control. Warnings about the presence of unexploded mines throughout Ukraine's territory also complicate the potential for a minerals agreement. Separately, U.K. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is expected to meet both Trump and Zelensky in Washington this week to discuss the war in Ukraine.