Trump Hints at Potential Ukraine Deal with Zelenskyy, Discusses Peace Talks with Putin
On Monday, President Donald Trump hinted at a possible meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to finalize an agreement granting the United States access to Ukraine’s natural resources in exchange for billions of dollars in aid.
According to Trump, the deal is nearing completion and Zelenskyy may visit the United States in the coming week to sign it. The agreement would include access to rare earth minerals such as titanium, iron, and uranium, which the Trump administration aims to utilize to recoup the costs of aid sent to Ukraine.
"It’ll be a deal with rare earths and various other things. And he would like to come. As I understand it, here, to sign it. And that would be great with me," Trump stated.
The deal, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, is "very close" and "one-yard line." Trump emphasized that the agreement would benefit both the U.S. and Ukrainian economies.
Trump Discusses War End with Putin
Trump’s comments came shortly after he announced on Truth Social that he had engaged in "serious discussions" with Russian President Vladimir Putin about ending the Russia-Ukraine war. The discussions followed a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in the Oval Office.
Trump expressed optimism that the war could conclude within weeks and revealed that Putin was open to the possibility of European peacekeeping troops in Ukraine as part of a peace deal.
"I think the war could end soon," Trump told reporters. "Yeah, he [Putin] will accept that. I’ve asked him that question. … If we do this deal, he’s not looking for more war."
U.S. and Russia Hold Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia
Trump administration officials, including national security advisor Mike Waltz, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff, recently met with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia to discuss ways to end the conflict. Ukraine was not present at the negotiations.
Zelenskyy has since reiterated that Ukraine will not accept a peace deal unless it is involved in the negotiation process.
Trump Criticizes Zelenskyy
Trump has recently intensified his criticism of President Zelenskyy, accusing him of being a poor negotiator and expressing frustration with his handling of the war.
"I’ve been watching this man for years now as his cities get demolished, as his people get killed, as his soldiers get decimated," Trump told Fox News. "I’ve been watching him negotiate with no cards. He has no cards, and you get sick of it."
Trump suggested that Zelenskyy’s presence at negotiations was not necessary because he had been involved in talks for three years without achieving any results.
Trump Willing to Visit Moscow
The president also indicated that he would be willing to travel to Moscow at the appropriate time.
"At the appropriate time, I would go to Moscow," Trump said.
Contextualizing the Negotiations
The ongoing negotiations between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine aim to address a complex and ongoing conflict with geopolitical implications. The potential agreement on natural resource access highlights the economic dimensions of the war and its potential impact on global supply chains.
Trump’s involvement in the peace talks and his varying stances on the conflict reflect his continued influence in domestic and foreign affairs. His criticisms of Zelenskyy and his willingness to engage with Putin underscore the challenges and complexities of resolving international conflicts.
