Zelensky to visit white house Friday for minerals deal with Trump administration

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit the White House on Friday, with reports indicating he will finalize a mineral rights access deal with the Trump administration.

President Trump confirmed the anticipated visit, stating, “I hear Zelensky’s coming on Friday, it’s OK with me... It could be a trillion-dollar deal, it could be whatever.”

According to The Financial Times, Kyiv has tentatively agreed to Washington’s proposal, marking a significant step toward strengthening U.S.-Ukraine relations. The deal, which includes joint development of Ukrainian mineral resources, notably oil and gas, had previously stalled due to U.S. demands for a $500 billion revenue stake. However, those terms have reportedly been dropped.

A U.S. official involved in the negotiations noted that discussions led by General Kellogg in Kyiv were instrumental in securing the agreement. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna emphasized that the minerals deal is part of a broader strategy, stating, “The minerals agreement is only part of the picture. We have heard multiple times from the U.S. administration that it’s part of a bigger picture.”

The U.S. agreement comes amidst European efforts to secure its own mineral deal with Ukraine. Europe’s Commissioner for Industrial Strategy, Stéphane Séjourné, has been actively pitching a European alternative, emphasizing that “Twenty-one of the 30 critical materials Europe needs can be provided by Ukraine in a win-win partnership.”

Zelensky’s visit to Washington is expected to clarify Ukraine’s stance on the competing offers, as the Ukrainian leader faces pressure from both allies.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted at potential U.S.-Russia economic cooperation, including joint mining ventures. In an interview with Russia 1 TV, Putin revealed that Russian and American companies are engaged in discussions over “major projects.”

Putin also took a swipe at Zelensky, describing him as a “toxic figure” whose decisions have led to significant Ukrainian losses. He suggested that Zelensky’s declining popularity and reluctance to negotiate with Russia are contributing to instability in Ukraine.

Amidst speculation about Trump’s stance on Ukraine, Putin suggested that the U.S. president views Zelensky as an obstacle to peace and stability. “Trump likely understands that Zelensky is a destabilizing factor. He wants to bring Ukrainians back together and create conditions for the survival of the Ukrainian state,” Putin stated.

Trump himself has hinted at broader U.S.-Russia economic discussions, indicating in a Truth Social post that “major economic development transactions which will take place between the U.S. and Russia” are progressing well. The Kremlin has also expressed willingness to collaborate on aluminum production and rare earth minerals, further signaling a shift in U.S.-Russia economic relations.

Uncertain Future for Ukraine’s NATO Aspirations

Despite ongoing mineral negotiations, Ukraine’s path to NATO remains uncertain. While European leaders continue to push for Ukraine’s membership, the U.S. has made it clear that NATO accession is not currently on the table.