President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States and Ukraine are close to finalizing a deal regarding rare earth minerals. Trump expressed optimism about the progress of the negotiations, stating that Ukraine is eager for the agreement and that it would be beneficial for both countries.
Sources familiar with the discussions revealed that US officials are confident that an agreement with Ukraine is within reach. The talks have been described as intensive and ongoing, with significant progress made in the past 24 hours. However, details about the specific terms of the deal and the timeline for its announcement remain unclear.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the importance of reaching a fair agreement that would benefit both nations. He previously rejected a draft proposal that he felt was unfavorable to Ukraine, highlighting the need for security guarantees in any potential deal.
Trump underscored the significance of the agreement in terms of national security and financial considerations. He emphasized the need for equitable treatment compared to other regions, particularly in Europe, and stressed the importance of ensuring the security of US investments abroad.
Regarding speculation about his travel plans and his views on world leaders, Trump dismissed reports of an upcoming trip to Moscow and refrained from commenting on whether he considers Russian President Vladimir Putin a dictator.
