Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky also stated that he will directly ask Donald Trump whether he intends to halt military aid to Ukraine.
Zelensky confirmed that Ukraine has been invited to visit the U.S., with both presidential offices coordinating the details.
Zelensky: Ukraine needs clarity on U.S. support
"We’ve been offered a visit. Both sides are open to discussing the format and timing. For now, there's a tentative date, Friday, and our teams are in contact," he added.
He also dismissed claims that Ukraine owes the U.S. $350 billion, stressing that no such debt is included in the draft agreement between the two countries.
As Zelensky prepares to visit Washington to discuss a major mineral resources agreement, concerns persist over U.S. security commitments, while Trump maintains that Ukraine and Russia should "get together" to negotiate an end to the war.
According to the BBC, a senior official in Kyiv confirmed that Ukraine and the U.S. have agreed on the terms of a significant minerals deal, though both sides are still working on a draft agreement.
Despite acknowledging ongoing negotiations, Trump has not officially confirmed U.S. approval of the deal. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, he said the agreement is "pretty close" to being signed but reiterated that Zelensky and Vladimir Putin should meet to discuss ending the war.
U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal moves forward, but security questions linger
The Financial Times reports that the finalized agreement includes the creation of an investment fund, where Ukraine would allocate 50% of its state mineral revenues, including from oil and gas, to finance domestic projects.
However, the deal does not cover state-run extractions by Naftogaz or Ukrnafta and notably excludes any reference to U.S. security guarantees - an initial demand from Kyiv. Key details, such as the level of American involvement in the fund and conditions for shared ownership agreements, remain subject to further negotiations.
Poland’s perspective: Economic potential, but no security sssurances
Speaking on Polskie Radio 24, former Polish ambassador Janusz Reiter expressed skepticism, emphasizing that while the deal may bolster Ukraine’s economy, it does not provide the long-term security Kyiv had hoped for.
Polish government envoy Paweł Kowal, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Council for Cooperation with Ukraine, called the deal a positive step, stating on Polskie Radio 24 that it could attract greater Western, including European, investment to Ukraine.
Geopolitical implications and Trump’s criticism of allies
While economic aspects of the deal advance, Trump’s comments underscore broader geopolitical tensions. As reported by the BBC, Zelensky voiced support for the progress, stating he hopes for a “fair result.”
Trump dismissed Zelensky’s influence, telling the BBC that the Ukrainian leader "has no cards" to negotiate with and is not a key player in peace talks. He also criticized French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, claiming they "haven't done anything" to help end the war, just days before both leaders are set to visit the White House.
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Source: IAR/Polskie Radio 24/BBC/Financial Times/Reuters/X/@sgfmann
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