Trump says Ukraine minerals deal done and Zelensky visiting Friday
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Trump speaks at Wednesday's Cabinet meeting. Photo: Andrew Harnik/Getty Images
President Trump confirmed on Wednesday that the U.S. and Ukraine have reached a minerals deal and that he still expects Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to visit the White House on Friday.
- Comments from Zelensky earlier on Wednesday had seemed to put the deal and the visit in doubt.
Why it matters: The deal is designed to allow the U.S. to tap into Ukraine's minerals and other natural resources and establish a joint fund for rebuilding Ukraine. It has the potential to reduce tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine after a public squabble last week.
What they're saying: "It is going to be a very big agreement on rare earths and other things. It has all been worked out. We are happy about it. We will also make a deal with Russia and Ukraine about stopping killing people," Trump said.
- Trump confirmed Zelensky would visit the White House on Friday for a signing ceremony. That would be the first meeting between the two leaders since Trump assumed office.
- Zelensky had told reporters in Kyiv on Wednesday that while a framework had been agreed, key details of the agreement still needed to be worked out.
- He also said his team was discussing a visit to Washington but suggested the timing was uncertain. Trump first announced the visit on Tuesday.
What to watch: Zelensky has repeatedly argued that Ukraine needs U.S. security guarantees as part of any deal.
- Trump said during Wednesday's Cabinet meeting that it was up to Europe, not the U.S., to make security guarantees.
- But he said the minerals deal would help ensure Ukraine's security because U.S. workers would be in Ukraine and "nobody is going to be messing around with our people when we are there."
- Trump also endorsed the idea of a European peacekeeping force that has been floated by the U.K. and France.
Between the lines: A source close to the Ukrainian government said the U.S. agreed to Zelensky's request to add to the text of the minerals deal a general mention of U.S. support for future security guarantees for Ukraine.
- A White House official told Axios the agreement "is not a guarantee of future aid for the war, nor does it include any commitment of U.S. personnel in the region."
