Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit Washington, DC in the coming days following an agreement between the United States and Ukraine on a deal regarding natural resources and reconstruction, according to a Ukrainian official.
Negotiations, which have been ongoing for several days, centered around a potential agreement granting the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for aid and support for the country’s reconstruction. The deal also outlines US involvement in a fund for Ukraine’s rebuilding.
A Ukrainian official revealed that the terms were finalized after “everything unacceptable was taken out of the text,” ensuring the agreement clearly benefits Ukraine’s security and contributes to peace. While the full details remain undisclosed, a significant point of contention had been a demand from the Trump administration for a $500 billion share of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, a proposal previously rejected by Zelensky.
As of press time, the US has not confirmed whether the deal terms have been officially agreed. President Donald Trump, speaking from the Oval Office on Tuesday, February 25, hinted at Zelensky’s visit and the potential signing of the deal, calling it a “big deal” for both nations.
Trump also confirmed the deal would include $350 billion in assistance, military equipment, and resources for Ukraine’s defense. “We’ve pretty much negotiated our deal on rare earth and various other things,” Trump said, adding that Russia had no objection to the arrangement. He expressed confidence that the deal would help ensure Ukraine’s future security.
Ukraine has long sought security guarantees, both for the return of lost territories and protection against potential future Russian aggression. European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, have echoed the need for security assurances as part of any peace talks with Moscow. Macron also proposed enhancing Ukraine’s military capabilities and deploying British and French troops for peacekeeping.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who is set to visit the White House on Thursday, has emphasized the need for a US “backstop” in any peace deal, which could include security guarantees, intelligence cooperation, and military support.
Reports also suggest that Zelensky had initially rejected earlier versions of the deal due to concerns that it placed an undue burden on Ukraine without offering reciprocal American obligations.