President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Thursday that Ukraine intends to work “swiftly and very sensibly” on an agreement that would grant the United States access to its natural resources. This statement appears to be an effort to ease tensions that had escalated with President Trump regarding the deal.
As Kyiv focuses on enhancing its negotiating position amid ongoing discussions between the United States and Russia about ending the war, Zelensky engaged in diplomatic talks with several European and Canadian leaders to secure additional support.
In a radio interview on Friday, President Trump remarked that Zelensky's presence was not essential in negotiations aimed at resolving the conflict in Ukraine, stating, “I don’t think he’s very important to be at meetings to be honest with you.” Trump expressed frustration over Zelensky's negotiation tactics, suggesting that he had been ineffective over the past three years.
Direct negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow occurred early in the invasion, but since April 2022, discussions have been limited to prisoner exchanges and the return of Ukrainian children from Russia.
The proposal for trading natural resources in exchange for U.S. assistance originated from Ukraine, but Zelensky initially hesitated when the U.S. suggested that Kyiv provide access to profits from 50 percent of its minerals and energy resources, citing a lack of American security commitments in the deal.
Recent discussions indicate that a revised version of the agreement may address Zelensky's concerns, with some aides now recommending that he sign it. This shift in perspective among Ukrainian officials was first reported by Axios.
Negotiations faltered last week when Zelensky declined to sign a version of the agreement presented by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during a visit to Kyiv.
In response, Trump criticized Zelensky’s moral standing in the conflict, inaccurately claiming that Ukrainian leaders initiated the war that began with Russia's invasion in 2022. Zelensky countered by stating that Trump was operating within a “web of disinformation.”
Despite the pressure from the U.S., Zelensky suggested that progress was being made during a nightly address, following a meeting with General Keith Kellogg, the Trump administration’s envoy to Ukraine and Russia. He emphasized the importance of an enduring agreement with the United States, stating that “economy and security must always go hand in hand.”
Simultaneously, the Ukrainian government has been actively engaging in diplomacy with European nations, seeking security commitments or military assistance to compensate for any potential reduction in U.S. support. While acknowledging that European nations cannot fully replace the comprehensive military and intelligence aid from the U.S., Ukrainian officials are encouraged by discussions regarding the formation of a European peacekeeping force to enforce a cease-fire.
On Thursday, Zelensky held phone conversations with five European leaders from France, the United Kingdom, Norway, Denmark, and Finland, as well as with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. On Friday, he spoke with Polish President Andrzej Duda. In the nine days since Trump initiated negotiations with Russia, Zelensky has met or spoken with European leaders at least nine times. A visit from Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez is scheduled for Monday.
Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer are expected to advocate for Ukraine during planned visits to Washington next week, where they will outline what Europe and the U.K. can offer Ukraine and what further assistance is needed from the United States.