Washington, DC – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is set to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday to finalize an agreement regarding the sharing of Ukraine’s mineral resources. Trump has expressed the importance of this bilateral deal, emphasizing the significance of American workers extracting rare earth metals on Ukrainian soil in providing security for Ukraine.

During a recent cabinet meeting, Trump mentioned the potential for US security guarantees to help deter Russia’s aggression towards Ukraine. However, he made it clear that any such guarantees would not extend beyond a certain limit, suggesting that European countries should take on more responsibility in this regard. Additionally, Trump seemed to dismiss the idea of Ukraine joining NATO, a goal long sought after by Zelensky.

Zelensky, on the other hand, has emphasized the need for security guarantees in order to achieve a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. He expressed a desire for a path towards NATO membership or a similar alliance as a means of ensuring the safety and stability of his country.

Russia has consistently opposed the idea of Ukraine becoming a NATO member, citing concerns about the proximity of NATO forces to its borders. Despite this opposition, Ukraine has continued to seek support from Western allies, with Zelensky pushing for the minerals deal as a way to strengthen ties with the US and secure investment for Ukraine’s reconstruction.

As the details of the agreement have yet to be fully disclosed, both Trump and Zelensky have differing views on its scope and significance. While Trump sees it as a means of recouping US investments in aid to Ukraine, Zelensky views it as a framework for future cooperation and potential deals between the two countries.

In light of these developments, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is also scheduled to meet with both Trump and Zelensky to discuss the situation in Ukraine. With various stakeholders involved and differing perspectives on the table, the outcome of these meetings could have far-reaching implications for the region’s security and geopolitical landscape.