Zelenskyy and Trump meet at the White House today: They will sign a 'historic' agreement

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US President Donald Trump announced that he expects to sign an agreement aimed at ending the Russia-Ukraine war during today's meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. It was noted that the agreement includes the management of Ukraine's natural resources and the creation of a joint fund for the country's reconstruction.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal shared the details of the agreement with the public. Accordingly, 50 percent of the revenue generated from rare earth elements extracted on Ukrainian soil will be transferred to an investment fund managed by the US and Ukraine with equal representation. This fund will be used for the reconstruction of the country's infrastructure. The agreement will prevent Ukraine's underground wealth from being declared the property of another country and will cover joint mining activities.

In his statement, Trump noted that a historic agreement would be signed during Zelenskyy's visit to Washington and said the following:

''We are working very hard to end the war. I think we have made a lot of progress and I think it is moving quite quickly. We will sign a historic agreement that will make the US an important partner in developing Ukraine's lands, oil, and gas.''

MINING AGREEMENT FINALIZED

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the agreement has been finalized and the negotiation process has ended. While stating that the mineral agreement in Ukraine is complete, Bessent emphasized that 'there will be no further negotiations on this matter.'

The mining agreement between the two countries is expected to be signed by Bessent and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha. The two will meet before the Zelenskyy-Trump meeting to formalize the agreement.

The Associated Press (AP) reported that the agreement is seen as an important step toward ending the three-year war. It was predicted that Zelenskyy would demand security guarantees against possible future Russian attacks during the meeting. The AP shared the information that the US and Ukraine would transfer 50 percent of the revenue from natural resources to a jointly managed investment fund.

Ukrainian officials made statements indicating that the agreement does not mean 'war reparations.' Pointing out that the fund will be used for the restructuring of Ukraine, the Kyiv administration argued that the US is not economically seizing the country's resources.

(The mines located in Ukraine were cited as Europe's richest resources. According to a report in the US press, Ukraine gave false information to the US regarding its mineral resources. On the other hand, it has also become clear how much revenue the US will earn under the reached agreement. The Financial Times reported that the US will earn 20 billion dollars annually thanks to the mining agreement)

TRUMP'S NEW COMMENT ON ZELENSKYY

Responding to a question about the 'dictator' term he previously used for Zelenskyy, Trump rejected his former statements. Stating that he does not see Zelenskyy as a dictator, Trump added that the Ukrainian people have 'fought well.'

The US President noted that he would be happy to host Zelenskyy in Washington, saying, 'Did I say that? I can't believe I said that.'

Trump stated that he believes Russian President Vladimir Putin will not attempt a re-invasion after the peace agreement. "I have known him for a long time, I don't believe he will break his word. I don't think he will return once we make a deal," he said.

(Latest situation in the Ukraine War Source: Institute for the Study of War)

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER IN WASHINGTON

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Trump at the White House. The issue of sending a peacekeeping force to Ukraine was also on the agenda during the meeting.

Speaking about the role European countries will play in Ukraine, Trump said the following:

'You are talking about a peacekeeping force, but first we have to make a deal. We don't have a deal right now. We are quite far along on a deal, but we haven't made a deal yet.'

Starmer delivered a letter from King Charles officially inviting Trump to the UK. Trump responded positively to the invitation, saying, 'This is really very special, it has never happened before. I will visit the UK soon.'

EU CALLS FOR NATO MEMBERSHIP FOR UKRAINE

European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas called on the US regarding Ukraine's NATO membership. Claiming that Russia could attack Ukraine again in the future, Kallas argued that the Kyiv administration must be secured.

Stating that Europe will continue to support Ukraine, Kallas said:

''If you are interested in a strong NATO, then the strongest army is the Ukrainian army. If we include them, we will have a very strong NATO.''