To seek Trump's support, Ukraine agrees on terms of US critical mineral deal

Ukraine and the US on Tuesday reached an agreement on a draft mineral deal , which includes access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, news agency AP reported, citing Ukrainian officials.

The deal is at the centre of US President Trump’s condition for supporting Kyiv.

One Ukrainian official emphasised that Kyiv hopes signing the agreement will ensure the continued flow of US military support, which Ukraine urgently needs.

The agreement could be signed as early as Friday. According to Ukrainian officials, plans are being drawn up for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to travel to Washington to meet Trump.

Another official said the agreement would allow Zelenskyy and Trump to discuss ongoing military aid to Ukraine, making it important for Kyiv to finalise the deal.

More from World

What’s the minerals deal that Ukraine has agreed to negotiate with US and why? ‘All for all:’ Zelenskyy proposes prisoner swap with Russia to start peace talks, hopes war to end ‘this year’

Zelenskyy to visit White House

Earlier, Trump told reporters that Ukraine’s Zelenskyy wants to visit Washington on Friday to sign a “very big deal.” The development came after the two leaders were engaged in a hostile war of words.

Trump said Moscow has agreed that European peacekeeping troops may be needed in Ukraine if a deal to end the conflict is reached. However, Moscow stated that it opposes any deployment of NATO troops in Ukraine.

War of words between Trump and Zelenskyy

Earlier, Trump called Volodymyr Zelenskyy “a dictator without elections” and claimed his public support was very low.

However, progress was made during a three-day visit to Ukraine last week by retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia.

Zelenskyy first proposed the idea last autumn as part of his plan to strengthen Kyiv’s position in future talks with Moscow.