Zelensky Set to Visit Washington as US and Ukraine Finalize Natural Resources Agreement

TDT | Manama

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to travel to Washington in the coming days following the conclusion of negotiations between the United States and Ukraine over a landmark agreement on natural resources and reconstruction. A Ukrainian official confirmed the deal, which marks a significant step in ongoing efforts to end Russia’s invasion and support Ukraine’s post-war recovery.

The agreement, which has been under discussion for several days, reportedly includes provisions granting the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. In return, the US will contribute to a major reconstruction fund for Ukraine, reinforcing the country’s security and economic stability.

According to the Ukrainian official, the finalized terms were agreed upon only after “everything unacceptable was taken out of the text, and it is now more clearly spelled out how this agreement will contribute to Ukraine’s security and peace.”

Details of the agreement remain undisclosed. However, a previous sticking point in negotiations was a demand from the Trump administration for a $500 billion share of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and other natural resources in exchange for the aid Washington had already provided Kyiv. President Zelensky had previously rejected this proposal.

The US government has yet to confirm whether a final agreement has been reached. However, President Donald Trump suggested that discussions were in an advanced stage, hinting at Zelensky’s potential visit on Friday.

“I hear that (Zelensky is) coming on Friday. Certainly, it’s OK with me if he’d 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 stated from the Oval Office on Tuesday.

When asked what Ukraine would receive as part of the mineral deal, Trump responded, “$350 billion and lots of equipment, military equipment, and the right to fight on.”

The US President further indicated that security guarantees for Ukraine could be considered in the future, adding, “We’ve pretty much negotiated our deal on rare earth and various other things,” while also expressing confidence that Russia would not oppose the agreement.

“I don’t think that’s going to be a problem,” Trump stated. “I spoke with Russia about it. They didn’t seem to have a problem with it. So I think they understand … once we do this, they’re not going back in.”

Zelensky’s visit, if confirmed, could mark a crucial turning point in US-Ukraine relations, reinforcing economic and military cooperation amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.