Trump says Ukraine-Russia truce ‘fairly close’ as US signs minerals deal
US President Donald Trump greets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meet in the Oval Office at the White House on February 28, 2025. (AFP Photo)
U.S. President Donald Trump told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Friday that a truce between Ukraine and Russia is “fairly close” while signing a resources agreement that will give the United States access to Ukraine’s critical minerals.
During their White House meeting, Trump characterized the deal, which grants the U.S. access to rare-earth and other critical minerals, as “very fair.” The agreement forms part of a broader plan to assist Ukraine’s recovery following a potential end to hostilities with Russia.
Zelenskyy struck a more cautious tone during the talks, showing Trump photographs of war atrocities and emphasizing there should be “no compromises with a killer on our territory” when negotiating with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Zelenskyy claims Trump is on Ukrainian side
Despite his firm stance on negotiations, the Ukrainian leader expressed confidence in U.S. support, stating, “I think President Trump is on our side.”
The meeting comes as both nations work toward finalizing terms for a possible cessation of hostilities in a conflict that has lasted nearly three years following Russia’s February 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The minerals agreement represents a significant component of Ukraine’s post-war economic strategy, potentially providing crucial financial resources for reconstruction while giving the United States access to strategically important materials used in high-tech manufacturing and defense applications.
Neither leader provided specific details about the timeline for a potential truce or the exact terms under discussion.
