Trump, Zelenskyy to Discuss Ukraine’s Security, Economic Deal in Washington/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Donald Trump on Friday in Washington, aiming to secure US security guarantees against future Russian aggression. The two leaders also finalized an economic agreement, giving the US access to Ukraine’s natural resources for post-war reconstruction efforts. However, Trump remained noncommittal on security, insisting that Europe should take the lead. UK and France proposed a peacekeeping mission, but the US questioned its feasibility. As Zelenskyy seeks clarity on military aid, Russian assets, and sanctions, the outcome of US-Ukraine relations remains uncertain.
Trump-Zelenskyy Meeting Quick Looks
- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets Trump in Washington to discuss security guarantees.
- US-Ukraine economic deal to finance reconstruction and give US access to Ukraine’s resources.
- Trump remains noncommittal on security pledges, says Europe should take the lead.
- UK and France offer peacekeeping troops, but US officials are skeptical of feasibility.
- Zelenskyy wants answers on military aid, Russian asset use, and sanctions on Moscow.
- Trump calls US economic presence in Ukraine a form of ‘automatic security’.
Trump, Zelenskyy to Discuss Ukraine’s Security, Economic Deal in Washington
Deep Look: Zelenskyy Seeks Security Assurances from Trump in Pivotal Washington Meeting
At a critical moment in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with President Donald Trump in Washington on Friday, aiming to secure US-backed security measures to prevent future Russian aggression.
The high-stakes meeting follows weeks of intensified diplomatic efforts, as European leaders push for a balanced peace deal while Ukraine fights to maintain its territorial integrity. Though Zelenskyy and Trump’s discussions will focus heavily on security, their meeting also coincides with the signing of a landmark economic agreement between the US and Ukraine, aimed at financing post-war reconstruction efforts.
US-Ukraine Economic Deal: A Strategic Partnership
The economic agreement, seen by the Associated Press, establishes a co-managed investment fund, with Ukraine contributing 50% of its future revenues from natural resources—including minerals, hydrocarbons, and other extractable materials.
Trump has framed this economic partnership as a way for Ukraine to compensate the US for wartime aid received under President Joe Biden’s administration. However, Zelenskyy remains firm that any such deal must include security guarantees to prevent Russia from launching another invasion in the future.
“This may be part of future security guarantees, but I want to understand the broader vision. What awaits Ukraine?” Zelenskyy said Wednesday.
Trump Avoids Committing to Security Guarantees
“I’m not going to make security guarantees … very much,” Trump said. “We’re going to have Europe do that.”
“Nobody’s going to be messing around with our people when we’re there,” Trump said, referring to the US role in mineral extraction and rebuilding efforts.
Zelenskyy has not specified exactly what type of security guarantees he seeks, but he has long advocated for Ukraine’s NATO membership—a prospect Trump dismissed outright on Wednesday.
“Ukraine can forget about NATO,” Trump stated bluntly.
European Peacekeeping Proposal Faces Uncertainty
As part of broader peace efforts, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron have offered to send European troops to Ukraine as peacekeepers once a truce is reached.
However, White House officials remain skeptical, questioning whether Europe can deploy a credible force without US military support.
“It will likely take a consensual peace settlement before many nations would be willing to send peacekeepers,” a senior Trump administration official said.
While Zelenskyy acknowledges the need for European involvement, he and European allies have argued that US intelligence, surveillance, and rapid-response capabilities are crucial for any peacekeeping plan to succeed.
Zelenskyy Seeks Answers on US Military Aid and Russia Sanctions
Another key issue on the agenda is the future of US military aid to Ukraine.
- Will Washington continue to provide weapons?
- Can Ukraine purchase arms directly from the US?
- Can Ukraine use frozen Russian assets to finance defense efforts?
- Will Trump lift US sanctions on Moscow?
With Trump’s recent diplomatic outreach to Russia, fears are growing that his administration may ease economic restrictions on Moscow, potentially undermining Ukraine’s leverage in negotiations.
Trump’s Unconventional Approach to Russia
Trump’s engagement with Russia has raised concerns in Kyiv and across Europe.
- His administration held talks with Russia in Saudi Arabia, excluding Ukraine and European leaders.
- The US refused to sign a UN resolution blaming Russia for the war.
- Trump blamed Ukraine for “starting” the war, contradicting historical facts.
- He called Zelenskyy a “dictator” for postponing elections under martial law.
These actions have fueled speculation that Trump’s negotiations with Russia could result in a peace deal favoring Moscow, rather than ensuring Ukraine’s long-term security.
What’s Next? The Path to a US-Ukraine Agreement
Despite uncertainties, Zelenskyy’s ability to secure a direct meeting with Trump before Russian President Vladimir Putin is seen as a diplomatic victory for Ukraine.
“Being able to meet Trump before Putin does is a good signal,” Zelenskyy said.
While the economic deal strengthens US-Ukraine ties, the security component remains unresolved. With Trump prioritizing economic engagement over direct military backing, Zelenskyy faces an uphill battle in ensuring Ukraine’s sovereignty is protected in the long term.
For now, Ukraine’s future remains tied to negotiations, with the world watching how Trump balances US interests, European demands, and his diplomatic outreach to Russia.
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