Trump and Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shake hands during their meeting at Trump Tower, Sept. 27, 2024, in New York.
Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
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Julia Demaree Nikhinson/AP
KYIV — President Trump is scheduled to meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House today to finalize a preliminary agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s vital raw materials in exchange for potential future assistance.
This marks the first in-person meeting between Zelenskyy and Trump since the inauguration, following Trump’s recent characterization of Zelenskyy as a “dictator” and his repetition of Kremlin propaganda, including claims that Ukraine initiated the conflict with Russia.
“The significance of this meeting lies in its occurrence,” stated Serhii Fursa, deputy director of Ukrainian investment firm Dragon Capital, who has closely monitored the minerals deal. “I don’t believe President Zelenskyy will personally enjoy this trip. It’s simply a necessity for him.”
The current agreement does not explicitly guarantee security measures, but Zelenskyy has expressed his intention to advocate for their inclusion in the final deal, citing Ukraine’s need for protection against Russia. Instead, the agreement outlines the establishment of a Reconstruction Investment Fund jointly managed by both nations. This fund will collect and reinvest revenues from Ukraine’s natural resources, including oil, gas, rare earth metals, and critical minerals essential for high-tech devices.
“We require the continued strategic partnership of the U.S.,” noted Yurii Sak, an adviser to Ukraine’s Ministry of Strategic Industries. “Hence, we must rebuild our nation post-war, and this agreement will contribute to that objective.”
Zelenskyy rejected earlier versions of the agreement, citing concerns that the terms would burden Ukrainians with debt. He also pushed back against Trump’s insistence that the revenue be used to repay previous U.S. aid to Ukraine.
“The initial offer was highly unfavorable, resembling colonial practices akin to what the Spanish conquistadors imposed on the Incas,” Fursa remarked.
Under the current framework, he added, the terms appear more advantageous to Ukraine, with revenues earmarked for future investments.
In Kyiv, residents are anxiously monitoring the unfolding of the Trump-Zelenskyy meeting.
Anna Kolesnyk, a communications manager in Kyiv, expressed concerns about potential retaliation from Trump towards Zelenskyy. “God help us avoid significant losses, whether in terms of territories, resources, or diplomatic relations, and may this meeting yield maximum benefits,” she remarked.
NPR’s Polina Lytvynova contributed reporting from Kyiv.
