On Monday, former U.S. President Donald Trump announced his intention to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski in the coming days to finalize an agreement concerning "rare earth" minerals. Trump suggested that this deal would enable the United States to reclaim some of the funds it has invested in Ukraine since the outset of the conflict with Russia.
"I plan to meet with President Zelenski. He might even visit this week or next to sign the agreement... Negotiations are underway, and we're on the brink of a finalized deal," Trump stated during a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House. "The agreement involves rare earth elements among other aspects. Zelenski is eager to come here and sign it, which I think would be fantastic."
Trump asserted that the U.S. administration is finalizing the operation's specifics and that, post-signature, the agreement would require approval from Ukraine's legislative council. "I'm confident that will happen," he added.
The former president explained that his administration aims to recoup funds allocated to Ukraine via this deal. "It seems we're quite close to securing an agreement where we'll eventually recover our money," he mentioned. "We've invested $350 billion... and received nothing in return. That was the fault of the Biden administration."
He further highlighted that Europe has invested around $100 billion in Ukraine, mainly through loans, adopting a more balanced approach. "The Europeans have been great in this matter. They understood the unfairness, and we managed to negotiate something. But with the Ukrainians, I believe we are nearing a deal," he stated.
Trump also emphasized that the U.S. has supported Ukraine "like no one else" and that his priority is to bring the conflict to a close. "We've aided Ukraine as no one has before. Had I not been president, Ukraine wouldn't even be considering peace," he noted.
The former president warned of the potential for a greater escalation if the conflict remains unresolved. "Thousands are dying weekly. Russia may have lost around 700,000 lives, with a similar toll in Ukraine. If this isn't resolved, it could lead to World War III," he cautioned.
Trump's announcement comes amid ongoing tensions and negotiations surrounding the war in Ukraine. In recent weeks, he has made various statements regarding his perspective on the conflict and his stance on Zelenski.
Recently, Trump blamed Ukraine for the war with Russia, asserting that the conflict could have been avoided with a prior agreement. "This war should never have started," he remarked. He also criticized Ukraine's exclusion from peace talks in Riyadh, causing friction with Europe.
Moreover, Trump labeled Zelenski as a "dictator without elections," accusing him of squandering U.S. resources in an unwinnable war. He claimed that Washington has invested $200 billion more than Europe without any compensation.
Zelenski, in response, alleged that the U.S. had demanded Ukraine hand over 50% of its natural resources without security assurances. According to Zelenski, this proposal came from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, which he refused. Zelenski reiterated his stance against any agreement that excludes Ukraine from negotiations, especially after Trump's discussions with Vladimir Putin about a potential peace treaty.
Following these exchanges, Zelenski expressed willingness to resign if it meant securing peace or NATO membership for Ukraine. During a press conference, he stated, "If peace for Ukraine is ensured and they need me to step down, I'm willing. I can exchange it for NATO membership."
This past Monday, February 24th, the U.S. voted against a United Nations General Assembly resolution condemning Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The resolution passed with 93 votes in favor, 18 against, and 65 abstentions, including Cuba's.
Key Questions on U.S.-Ukraine Mining Deal and Political Dynamics
What is the proposed mining deal between the U.S. and Ukraine?
The proposed deal involves the U.S. securing rights to rare earth minerals in Ukraine as a means to recoup funds allocated to the country since the onset of the war with Russia.
How does Trump view the U.S. investment in Ukraine?
Trump views the U.S. investment as substantial and unreciprocated, blaming the Biden administration for the lack of returns on the $350 billion spent on Ukraine.
What are the potential global implications if the conflict in Ukraine continues?
Trump warns that if the conflict isn't resolved soon, it could escalate into a global confrontation, potentially leading to World War III, due to the high human toll on both Russian and Ukrainian sides.