Photo: Depositphotos
24 February 2025 – US President Donald Trump announced his readiness to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House “this week or next week” to sign an important strategic agreement on the use of Ukrainian mineral resources.
Trump: “I would love to meet with Zelensky”
The US leader said this during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House on 24 February.
Trump’s direct speech:
“In fact, he may come this week or next week to sign the agreement. That would be great. I would love to meet him in the Oval Office,” the US president said.
Trump added that Kyiv and Washington are “very close to finalising an agreement” on the use of Ukrainian rare earth metals and other strategic resources.
“And as far as I understand, he (Zelensky) wants to come to sign it. That’s great. Then the document still has to be approved by the relevant authorities, but I’m sure it will happen,” Trump said.
What do you know about the deal?
According to Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna, Ukrainian and American delegations are “at the final stage of negotiations ” on an agreement on the use of Ukrainian mineral resources.
Key details of the deal:
– Cooperation in the extraction of rare earth metals, which are critical for high-tech industries.
– US investments in the development of the Ukrainian mining industry.
– Possibility to create joint ventures using advanced technologies.
US Presidential Special Envoy Steve Whitkoff said earlier that “the agreement is expected to be signed this week”, emphasising the strategic importance of the agreement for both countries.
What does the agreement mean for Ukraine?
The agreement with the US could be an important step towards attracting foreign investment in Ukraine’s extractive sector, particularly in the field of rare earth metals, which are strategically important resources for the defence, energy and technology industries.
For Ukraine, it is:
– Strengthening energy security.
– Attracting new investments.
– Strengthening partnership with the US in strategic sectors.
Zelenskyy-Trump meeting: a new stage in relations?
The upcoming meeting could be an important step in strengthening bilateral relations between Kyiv and Washington. It could also pave the way for new agreements in defence, energy and technology.
At the same time, experts note that the signing of the agreement is also of geopolitical importance – it strengthens Ukraine’s position on the world stage and demonstrates the US support in the ongoing war with Russia.
Will this agreement change the balance of power in the region? We are waiting for official announcements on the date of the meeting and details of the future agreement.
