Zelenskyy and Trump to Finalize Minerals Deal in Washington

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to meet with President Donald Trump in Washington to finalize a significant minerals agreement. The deal grants the United States access to Ukraine's vast mineral resources, including rare earth elements, crucial for various industries. This agreement, valued at $1 trillion, includes a provision where Ukraine will allocate 50% of the proceeds to a joint investment fund with the US.

While the agreement is primarily economic, it also carries geopolitical implications. It aims to reduce US reliance on China for critical minerals and counters Russia's influence in the region. Despite the economic benefits, the deal lacks security guarantees for Ukraine, which remains embroiled in conflict with Russia.

The pact's announcement has stirred mixed reactions internationally. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron have voiced concerns over the absence of explicit security assurances. Meanwhile, Trump has expressed that a peacekeeping force acceptable to all parties is essential for stability in the region.

Zelenskyy hopes this deal will secure continued US military support as Ukraine navigates its ongoing conflict with Russia. The meeting in Washington symbolizes a pivotal moment in US-Ukrainian relations, potentially reshaping the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.