President Donald Trump announced that the United States will soon sign a minerals and natural resources deal with Ukraine, stating that his efforts to achieve a peace agreement between the two nations are progressing positively. These remarks were made at a White House event following his signing of an order aimed at boosting U.S. production of critical minerals.
"We're doing very well with regard to Ukraine and Russia," Trump said. "One of the things we are doing is signing a deal very shortly with respect to rare earths with Ukraine."
He noted that his discussions this week with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy focused on ending the conflict that began with Russia's invasion in 2022. "We would love to see that come to an end, and I think we're doing pretty well in that regard," Trump added. "Hopefully we’d save thousands of people a week from dying. That's what it's all about. They're dying so unnecessarily, and I believe we'll get it done."
Earlier this month, Ukraine and the U.S. agreed to finalize a comprehensive agreement for the development of Ukraine's critical mineral resources, which Trump views as a way for Ukraine to contribute toward its financial support from the United States.
Discussions between Trump and Zelenskiy regarding the deal had previously stalled at the end of last month. However, they agreed on Wednesday to collaborate in ending Russia's aggression, following what the White House characterized as a productive one-hour phone call—their first conversation since a contentious exchange in the Oval Office that led to a temporary suspension of U.S. military aid and intelligence to Kyiv.
A senior U.S. official indicated that the upcoming minerals deal will be "more detailed and comprehensive."
Ukraine's embassy in Washington has not yet commented on the developments. Trump rejected a proposed full 30-day ceasefire but agreed to pause attacks on energy infrastructure, both leaders expressed a desire to improve strained U.S.-Russia relations.
In Brussels, European Union leaders reaffirmed their support for Ukraine but did not immediately endorse Zelenskiy’s request for a package of at least 5 billion euros for artillery purchases.