U.S. and Ukraine to Forge Mineral Industry Partnership

In a significant diplomatic move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to secure a partnership agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump regarding the involvement of American companies in Ukraine's mineral sector. This meeting, taking place at the White House, aims to bolster U.S. support for Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.

Zelenskiy, who previously received substantial military assistance from the Biden administration, is now navigating a different political landscape under Trump, who expresses a desire to de-escalate tensions with Russia. Trump's administration has signaled a shift in its commitment to European security, raising concerns in Kyiv and among its allies about the potential for a peace arrangement that may not favor Ukraine.

The proposed agreement, which has been under negotiation for several days, would grant U.S. companies access to Ukraine's abundant mineral resources. However, it notably lacks explicit security assurances from the U.S., a factor that has disappointed Ukrainian officials. Trump contends that American business involvement will inherently provide a layer of security.

While the exact financial implications of the deal remain unspecified, Trump has mentioned expectations of generating significant economic benefits, potentially in the hundreds of billions. Zelenskiy, however, has expressed reservations about agreements that could burden Ukraine with long-term debt.

Under the terms of the deal, Ukraine would allocate 50% of the revenue generated from its government-owned natural resources to a joint reconstruction fund managed by both nations. Although the specifics of the fund's allocation and the assets involved are not detailed, it is expected to encompass mineral deposits, oil, natural gas, and critical infrastructure projects such as gas terminals and ports.

This meeting represents a crucial opportunity for Zelenskiy, who has emphasized the importance of face-to-face discussions with Trump before the U.S. president engages in talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A senior European diplomat in Kyiv noted that Ukraine has strategically leveraged the minerals deal to foster closer ties with the U.S.

Ukraine is hopeful that this agreement will galvanize Trump's support for its defense efforts and possibly attract backing from congressional Republicans for additional military aid. Despite bolstering its defense production capabilities, Ukraine remains reliant on international military support while managing its manpower challenges against a significantly larger Russian force.

Since successfully repelling Russian advances near Kyiv and regaining some territories in 2022, Ukraine still faces challenges, as Russian forces continue to control substantial parts of its territory and have made gradual gains following a stalled Ukrainian counteroffensive in 2023. Recently, Ukrainian forces have maintained a presence in the Kursk region of Russia following an incursion in 2024.

In the lead-up to this meeting, Trump has publicly criticized Zelenskiy's handling of the war, labeling him a "dictator." However, during a recent press conference, Trump appeared to downplay his previous remarks and stated his eagerness to engage with Zelenskiy while commending the courage of the Ukrainian armed forces.

As the discussions unfold, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated that the U.K. is prepared to send military personnel as peacekeepers to ensure a lasting resolution to the conflict, emphasizing the need for a robust and fair peace plan supported by strength.