The United States and Ukraine are expected to sign a mineral resources agreement later tonight, according to four sources cited by Reuters. The deal, which had faced delays following a tense White House meeting last week, now appears to be moving forward.
Former President Donald Trump reportedly instructed his team to include the announcement in his address to Congress this evening. This development follows Trump’s decision on Monday to put a temporary hold on U.S. assistance to Ukraine.
Initially, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had shown hesitation regarding the agreement, which would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for continued financial and military support. Last week, he was expected to sign before an intense confrontation with Trump and Senator J.D. Vance at the White House stalled progress.
Specific details of the agreement set to be unveiled tonight remain unclear.
Trump said Zelensky told him in a letter that he was ready to sit down at the peace negotiating table as soon as possible
Ukraine is also ready to sign an agreement on rare earth metals at any time. Trump specified that in the letter, Zelensky expressed gratitude for the help of the Americans.
The US President also said that he had received “strong signals” from Russia about its readiness for peace.