On February 21, Ukraine's President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, announced that Ukrainian and U.S. officials were working on finalizing an economic deal to ensure its effectiveness and fairness to Kyiv.
Meanwhile, in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that negotiators were close to reaching an agreement. Zelenskiy dismissed an initial proposal centered on metal cooperation as "not a serious conversation" and not in Ukraine's favor.
Zelenskiy stated in his evening video message, "Today, the Ukrainian and U.S. teams are collaborating on a draft agreement between our governments. This agreement holds promise to enhance our relations, with a crucial emphasis on ensuring its functionality. I am optimistic for a fair outcome."
Zelenskiy's remarks stemmed from discussions between his chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, and U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, aiming to align positions in bilateral relations.
Waltz anticipated Zelenskiy's endorsement of the minerals agreement to conclude the Ukraine conflict soon. Waltz asserted, "President Zelenskiy is set to sign that deal shortly."
Moreover, Zelenskiy rejected U.S. requests for $500 billion in mineral resources from Ukraine to offset wartime assistance, contending that the assistance did not come close to that figure. He also underscored that the proposed agreement lacked the security assurances essential for a peace settlement that Ukraine seeks.
Zelenskiy found himself in discord with Trump over peace settlement approaches and U.S.-Russian discussions excluding Ukraine, with Trump labeling the Ukrainian leader "a dictator without elections."
In his address, Zelenskiy disclosed discussions with European and African leaders, stressing that Europe must escalate its efforts for a feasible peace resolution.