Washington, US:
US President Donald Trump has invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to Washington to sign a critical minerals deal, while also suggesting that the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war could end “within weeks” if the right agreements are reached.Trump made the remarks during an Oval Office press conference on Monday, revealing that negotiations between the US and Ukraine over access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals were near completion.

"I will be meeting with President Zelensky. In fact, he may come in this week or next week to sign the agreement," Trump told reporters.

The meeting follows recent US-Russia talks in Saudi Arabia, which excluded Ukraine, fueling tensions between Kyiv and Washington. Trump previously criticized Zelensky, calling him a "dictator," and suggested that Ukraine did not need to be part of negotiations for ending the war.
 

US-Ukraine Critical Minerals Deal Nears Completion

Trump confirmed that negotiations for a rare earth minerals agreement between the US and Ukraine were nearing a final stage. The deal focuses on Ukraine’s natural resource sector, particularly its valuable mineral deposits, which are essential for industries including technology, defense, and energy production.

"They're very close to a final deal. 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.

Reports indicate that the initial US proposal demanded 50% of Ukraine’s mineral revenues without offering security guarantees. Zelensky rejected the draft agreement, leading to ongoing diplomatic negotiations to find a mutually beneficial compromise.The offer to share Ukraine’s natural resources with the US was initiated by Zelensky, aiming to secure long-term American security commitments. However, Ukraine’s insistence on guarantees before signing the deal has prolonged discussions.
 

Russia-Ukraine Peace Talks and European Peacekeeping Proposal

Alongside discussions with Ukraine, Trump also addressed his conversations with Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding potential peace agreements.When asked whether Russia would accept European peacekeeping forces in Ukraine as part of a final deal, Trump asserted that Putin was not opposed to the idea.

"Yeah, he will accept that. I've asked him that question. Because he's not—look, if we do this deal, he's not looking for more war. He doesn't mind, but I've specifically asked him that question. He has no problem with it," Trump said.

He further claimed that the Russia-Ukraine conflict could be resolved swiftly, stating, "I think we could end it within weeks if we're smart."

However, the European peacekeeping proposal has been strongly rejected by Moscow, as Russian officials have maintained that foreign military forces in Ukraine are unacceptable. Despite this, Trump’s remarks suggest that Washington is considering alternative approaches to broker peace between Kyiv and Moscow.
 

Shifting US-Ukraine Relations and Potential Policy Changes

Trump’s comments mark a notable shift in the US approach to Ukraine, particularly in prioritizing economic agreements over direct military aid. This move has raised concerns among US allies, as many European nations have continued to provide military and financial support to Ukraine.With Zelensky’s visit to Washington pending, the outcome of the critical minerals agreement could shape future US-Ukraine relations and influence ongoing peace efforts with Russia.
 

Additionally, Trump’s mention of an economic agreement with Moscow on his Truth Social platform has fueled speculation about a potential shift in US foreign policy regarding Russia and the ongoing war in Ukraine.As negotiations unfold, the next few weeks could prove crucial in determining the future of US-Ukraine partnerships, global energy security, and diplomatic efforts to resolve the Russia-Ukraine war.