Zelensky Confirms Negotiations with US Set for Friday
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Synopsis
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that US and Ukrainian teams are preparing for important negotiations this Friday. The discussions will focus on a minerals partnership agreement, security guarantees, and ongoing US support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Key Takeaways
- Negotiations between Ukraine and the US are scheduled for Friday.
- The meeting will cover a minerals partnership agreement and security guarantees.
- Zelensky emphasizes the importance of continuous US support.
- The agreement involves Ukraine contributing to a fund from mineral resources.
- Future discussions will address security guarantees.
Kyiv, Feb 27 (NationPress) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that teams from the United States and Ukraine are gearing up for discussions slated for Friday.
During his evening address, Zelensky mentioned that he is set to meet with US President Donald Trump.
The agenda for the anticipated meeting will include topics such as the minerals partnership agreement, support for Ukraine, and security assurances.
"It is crucial for me and for everyone globally that the assistance from the US continues without interruption. Strength is vital on our journey towards peace," he stated.
Previously, Trump had declared that Zelensky would formalize the agreement at the White House on Friday (February 28).
"Our teams are collaborating with America, and we are preparing for discussions this Friday," Zelensky mentioned in a video shared on his official Telegram channel.
After a series of vigorous discussions, Washington and Kyiv reached an agreement to create a fund, to which Ukraine will allocate 50 percent of the income from the "future monetization" of state-owned mineral resources, including oil, gas, and logistics.
The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine has approved the decision to sign the minerals agreement, as confirmed by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.
However, the agreement does not specify any concrete security guarantees in exchange for US access to Ukraine's mineral resource revenues.
Zelensky informed reporters that while the current agreement does not include specific measures, security guarantees will be addressed in upcoming discussions.
"Assurances of peace and security are essential to ensure that Russia ceases to disrupt the lives of other nations," he added in his Wednesday address.
Initially, Zelensky declined the proposed US minerals agreement due to its absence of security guarantees for Ukraine, a condition deemed vital by Kyiv for any agreement.
This rejection prompted a backlash from the Trump administration, which increased pressure on Ukraine to finalize the deal, even while extending gestures towards Moscow.
The White House has described the agreement as a method for the US to "recoup" the financial assistance it has provided to Kyiv since the commencement of Russia's large-scale invasion.
On Tuesday, Trump remarked that the deal provides Ukraine with "military equipment and the right to fight on."
In his comments on Wednesday, Zelensky expressed that the agreement symbolizes US support.
