Zelensky to Sign Minerals Deal at the White House Amid Uncertain Security Promises

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to visit the White House to formalize an economic deal that would see some revenue from Ukraine’s rare earth deposits redirected to a fund managed jointly by Washington and Kyiv. The agreement, viewed as a repayment to the United States for prior military aid, forms part of Zelensky’s broader strategy to rally support for a swift resolution to the conflict with Russia.

U.S. President Donald Trump, during the initial cabinet meeting of his second term attended by figures such as Elon Musk, described the deal as a “very big agreement.” However, Trump emphasized that while the visit confirms Zelensky’s presence in Washington, the administration is not prepared to extend extensive security commitments to Ukraine, a stance that contrasts with the expectations of Kyiv and some of its Western allies.

Further complicating the situation is the ongoing discussion about peace and security guarantees. Zelensky explained in Kyiv that while an economic framework has been reached, it currently lacks explicit U.S. security assurances—a critical element for Kyiv’s long-term strategy. The full agreement’s success, therefore, may depend on detailed discussions during the upcoming talks in Washington.

Meanwhile, international diplomacy is in a state of flux. After a recent visit by Sir Keir Starmer, Zelensky’s subsequent visit to Britain is anticipated. Additionally, Trump hinted at hopes for a future face-to-face meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, even as he maintained that Ukraine’s potential NATO membership is not a viable prospect under his administration’s policy. The evolving situation underscores a complex interplay of economic agreements, military support discussions, and broader diplomatic maneuvering amidst ongoing conflict in Ukraine.