Zelenskyy to Visit White House for Key US-Ukraine Minerals Deal

President Donald Trump revealed on Wednesday that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit the White House on Friday to sign a landmark minerals agreement that will cement the relationship between the United States and Ukraine for years to come. This deal, which focuses on Ukraine's vast reserves of rare earth minerals, has been eagerly anticipated and is expected to have long-term implications for both countries.

Trump made the announcement during the first Cabinet meeting of his second term, calling the agreement “a very big deal.” The Republican president has long criticized the amount of U.S. taxpayer money spent supporting Ukraine’s war against Russia, which began with the Kremlin’s invasion three years ago. Trump framed the deal as a way for Ukraine to repay the U.S. for its war aid, highlighting access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals—critical resources for industries like aerospace, defense, and nuclear power.

“The previous administration left us in a very bad position,” Trump said. “But we’ve reached a deal where we’ll get the money back—and much more in the future.”

Earlier on Wednesday, Zelenskyy confirmed in Kyiv that an economic framework had been reached, though it does not yet include the security guarantees that Ukraine deems essential. The full deal is expected to come together after talks in Washington later this week.

Zelenskyy emphasized the need for clarity on continued U.S. military support before finalizing the deal. “This economic agreement could be a step toward future security guarantees, but I need to understand the broader vision. What awaits Ukraine?” he said.

Trump, however, was noncommittal regarding any security commitments. “I’m not going to make security guarantees... very much,” Trump remarked. “But our presence in Ukraine working on mineral extraction will ensure security. Nobody’s going to mess with us while we’re there.”

Trump also suggested that Ukraine should abandon its NATO aspirations, claiming that Kyiv’s NATO bid was likely a central reason behind the conflict’s escalation. “NATO? You can forget about it,” Trump declared, reiterating his stance that NATO membership is not a feasible outcome for Ukraine.

Since regaining office, Trump has been clear that the U.S. wants something in return for its substantial financial and military support for Ukraine. The new deal would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine's mineral wealth, a strategic move that could deepen the partnership between the two countries. However, Zelenskyy initially resisted early U.S. proposals, which he felt lacked adequate security assurances and imposed a burdensome financial cost on future generations of Ukrainians. Despite his reservations, Ukraine recognizes the value of the U.S. involvement as a way to secure long-term stability.

A draft of the agreement, obtained by The Associated Press, includes language suggesting U.S. support for Ukraine’s pursuit of security guarantees but does not specify any binding commitments. It outlines mutual efforts to safeguard investments under the new deal.

After Zelenskyy’s remarks, a White House official made it clear that accepting the agreement would be a prerequisite for Friday’s meeting. The official, speaking anonymously, noted that Zelenskyy’s acceptance of the deal is key to any further diplomatic progress.

“The outcome of this agreement could either mark a major success or quietly fade,” Zelenskyy acknowledged. “Success will depend on our conversation with President Trump.”

In addition to the minerals deal, Zelenskyy said he intends to discuss with Trump the future of U.S. military aid to Ukraine and potential avenues for Ukraine to procure weapons directly from the U.S. He also aims to explore the possibility of using frozen Russian assets for military purchases and investments, as well as potential sanctions relief on Russia.

The preliminary deal also includes provisions for a reconstruction fund for Ukraine, a critical component of its post-war recovery, according to Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

With this visit, Zelenskyy is navigating complex negotiations, seeking to balance Ukraine's need for security guarantees with the geopolitical realities of a shifting U.S. policy under Trump. Meanwhile, diplomatic talks between Russia and the U.S. are set to continue this week in Istanbul, further adding to the fluid situation surrounding the war in Ukraine.