Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House on Friday, February 28, 2025, to finalize a critical minerals deal that will grant the United States access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources.
The agreement comes at a time when Kyiv is struggling to maintain U.S. support in its fight against Russia’s invasion, as Trump signals a stark shift in Washington’s stance on the war. The U.S. president has repeatedly expressed his desire to end the three-year-long conflict quickly, rebuild ties with Moscow, and reevaluate U.S. financial commitments to Ukraine.
“We’ve spent billions supporting Ukraine, but it’s time to rethink our approach. The war needs to end,” Trump previously stated, sparking concerns among European allies.
The minerals deal, which has been negotiated in recent weeks, is expected to open Ukraine’s large deposits of rare earth elements to American companies, a move that could significantly benefit U.S. industries reliant on these critical resources. However, sources confirm that the agreement does not include any new U.S. security guarantees, a major blow to Ukraine, which had hoped for stronger military backing.
Trump’s shift in tone has unsettled European leaders, with fears that Kyiv may be pressured into accepting a peace deal on terms that favor Russia. His stance also reflects a broader recalibration of U.S. foreign policy, as he moves away from the traditional security commitments that have defined American-European relations since World War II.
Zelenskyy’s visit comes amid heightened tensions between the two leaders. Trump has publicly criticized the Ukrainian president’s handling of the war, at one point allegedly calling him a “dictator” and urging him to accept the minerals deal. However, during a press conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday, Trump denied making the statement.
“Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that,” he responded when asked about the remarks.
Despite the diplomatic friction, Trump expressed admiration for Ukraine’s military, stating that he looked forward to meeting Zelenskyy and discussing the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations.
As global attention turns to Washington, the outcome of this meeting could reshape the geopolitical landscape, influencing not just Ukraine’s war efforts but also America’s strategic direction in Europe.
