WASHINGTON, Feb 7 (Reuters) - President Trump announced on Friday that he is likely to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy next week to discuss Ukraine's ongoing conflict against Russia.
Although it remains uncertain if the meeting will be in person or via video conference, Trump addressed the potential meeting during a press briefing in the Oval Office, where he welcomed Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
"I will probably be meeting with President Zelenskiy next week," said Trump, who also reiterated his interest in meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, noting their "good relationship."
When asked about the location of a potential meeting with Zelenskiy, Trump indicated he would not be traveling to Ukraine, stating "I'm here" in Washington.
Expressing a desire for the conflict to end, Trump described Russia's invasion of Ukraine as a "ridiculous war" and emphasized the importance of discussing security for Ukrainian assets, specifically mentioning rare earth minerals, while seeking "an equal amount of something" in return for U.S. support.
Amid Ukraine's hopes for continued U.S. support in its conflict with Russia, President Zelenskiy’s chief of staff Andy Yermak shared that discussions had taken place with Trump's special envoy for the region, Keith Kellogg. These discussions covered topics ranging from the battlefield situation to ensuring the safety of Ukrainian civilians, and plans for meetings at the upcoming Munich Security Conference later this month.