US President Donald Trump has indicated that Ukraine might need to abandon hopes of joining NATO as he prepares to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House on Friday. Trump expressed his desire to engage directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin to explore potential resolutions to the ongoing conflict that escalated with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. During his administration’s initial cabinet meeting, he highlighted that both Ukraine and Russia would have to make compromises, although he did not elaborate on the specifics.
In a notable visit, Zelenskyy is set to sign a crucial minerals agreement with the US. He revealed that while a preliminary economic framework with America is in place, it currently lacks the security guarantees that Kyiv deems essential for its ongoing battle against Russian forces. The comprehensive agreement’s finalisation seems contingent upon discussions in Washington.
Zelenskyy remarked that understanding the US position on continued military support is vital for Ukraine. He anticipates an extensive dialogue with Trump during this pivotal meeting. While the economic deal could tie into future security guarantees, Zelenskyy seeks clarity on Ukraine’s long-term prospects in light of ongoing tensions.
Following Trump’s return to office last month, he reiterated to Ukraine that substantial aid, amounting to tens of billions of dollars, comes with expectations for reciprocal benefits. The US administration has pressured Kyiv to facilitate access to its extensive mineral reserves, essential for industries such as defence and aerospace. Initially, Zelenskyy was hesitant, arguing that the US proposals lacked sufficient security assurances and presented an unsustainable financial burden of approximately $500 billion, which could severely impact future generations.
However, Kyiv aims to leverage these investments as a means of securing a closer alliance with the US amid the ongoing conflict. The most recent draft of the agreement, viewed by media outlets, suggests that while the US supports Ukraine’s quest for security guarantees to achieve peace, it stops short of providing explicit commitments to deliver such guarantees. As negotiations unfold, Zelenskyy’s focus remains on securing both economic and military assurances vital for Ukraine’s defence and stability.