Washington, D.C. — U.S. President Donald Trump adopted a more conciliatory tone toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday, stating he does not hold Zelensky “responsible” for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine while announcing that a minerals deal between the two nations is nearing completion.
The remarks, made alongside Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni at the White House, mark a shift from Trump’s earlier criticisms of Zelensky, including false claims that Ukraine initiated the war.
Trump’s comments follow a turbulent period in U.S.-Ukraine relations,
strained by a heated February 2025 Oval Office clash where Trump and
Vice President J.D. Vance accused Zelensky of ingratitude for U.S. aid.
The confrontation derailed a minerals agreement that would grant American companies access to Ukraine’s vast deposits of critical minerals, such as lithium and titanium, essential for technology and military applications.
“We have a minerals deal which I guess is going to be signed on Thursday… next Thursday. Soon,” Trump said, expressing cautious optimism.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told AFP the deal is targeted for April 26, while Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed Kyiv signed a “Memorandum of Intent” with Washington for an “Investment Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine.” Details of the memorandum remain undisclosed.
The agreement is seen as a strategic move to bolster U.S.-Ukraine economic ties and reduce American reliance on foreign mineral supplies. It also aligns with Trump’s transactional approach to foreign policy, aiming to recoup U.S. investments in Ukraine, which exceed $175 billion in aid since Russia’s 2022 invasion. However, the deal has sparked concerns in Ukraine, with some citizens wary of ceding control over valuable resources.
Zelensky, who invited Trump to visit Ukraine to witness the war’s devastation, has navigated a delicate balance. Earlier this week, he expressed readiness to negotiate with Russia and finalize the minerals deal, signaling a desire to mend ties after the February fallout. His social media posts emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to a “just and lasting peace” under Trump’s leadership.
The minerals deal has been contentious.
In February, Zelensky resisted U.S. demands, stating he could not “sell” Ukraine’s resources. A draft agreement reportedly demanded a significant share of Ukraine’s mineral wealth, raising comparisons to post-World War I reparations imposed on Germany. Despite these tensions, ongoing negotiations suggest both sides are working toward a mutually beneficial outcome.
Trump’s softened rhetoric coincides with broader diplomatic efforts.
His administration has engaged in talks with Russia, excluding Ukraine and European allies, prompting concerns about a potential ceasefire on Moscow’s terms. The Kremlin welcomed Trump’s decision to halt military aid to Ukraine, viewing it as a step toward peace. Meanwhile, European leaders like Meloni continue to advocate for Ukraine’s defense, highlighting trans-Atlantic divisions.
In Ukraine’s Kirovohrad region, a major mining area, reactions to the deal are mixed.
Geologist Volodymyr Savytskyi expressed cautious hope, emphasizing the need for a fair share of profits. Others voiced skepticism, fearing exploitation by American companies. These sentiments reflect Ukraine’s broader challenge of balancing economic recovery with sovereignty amid ongoing conflict.
As the April 26 deadline approaches, the minerals deal could reshape U.S.-Ukraine relations and influence the trajectory of the Ukraine-Russia conflict. While Trump’s remarks suggest progress, the agreement’s final terms and Zelensky’s ability to secure security guarantees remain critical factors. The coming weeks will test both leaders’ commitment to cooperation and peace.
Trump Softens with Zelensky, Signals Imminent Minerals Deal (April 18, 2025)
#TrumpZelensky #UkraineMinerals #USUkraineDeal
#RussiaUkraineWar #MineralsAgreement
Tags: Trump, Zelensky, Ukraine, minerals deal, U.S. foreign policy, Russia,
critical minerals, Ukraine war, economic agreement, peace negotiations
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