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VOLODYMYR Zelensky has confirmed he will meet Donald Trump in Washington to discuss a historic minerals deal with the US.
The deal – said to be worth up to $500billion – is seen as a way for Ukraine to get the US back on its side ahead of talks on ending the war with Russia.
The crucial meeting between the two leaders will mark their first face-to-face chat since Trump labelled Zelensky a “dictator”.
Trump confirmed he is due to meet his Ukrainian counterpart when Zelensky travels to the White House in just 48 hours.
The Republican told reporters in the Oval Office last night: “I hear that he’s coming on Friday, certainly it’s okay with me if he’d like to.”
The President said the meeting is likely to see Zelensky agree to a US-proposed deal around Ukrainian minerals.
Kyiv hopes the deal will improve relations with the Trump administration, bolster long-term security ties and draw the Ukraine war closer to an end.
The agreement, which centres on the joint development of Ukraine’s vast mineral resources — including oil and gas — comes after Washington dropped its demand for a $500 billion share of potential revenues.
Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna told the Financial Times: “The minerals agreement is only part of the picture.
“We have heard multiple times from the US administration that it’s part of a bigger picture.”
Three senior Kyiv officials added officials are still “working on the details”.
The original terms, which President Trump framed as a way for Ukraine to repay the US for military and financial aid since Russia’s 2022 invasion, were met with fierce backlash.
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