Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an agreement in principle with the U.S. regarding a minerals deal. The announcement was made during a press conference, though specific details of the agreement were not disclosed. Zelenskyy is scheduled to visit Washington, D.C. on Friday, where further discussions are expected to take place.
Zelenskyy characterized the current minerals deal as a "framework" agreement, indicating that it does not include security guarantees. However, he emphasized that the deal is intended to pave the way for broader agreements with the U.S. and other countries, which must incorporate security guarantees for Ukraine. He also stated that no "real ceasefire" or peace deal will be possible without such guarantees.
The Ukrainian president expressed uncertainty regarding the specific security guarantees the U.S. is prepared to offer. He conveyed his intention to discuss the matter further with President Donald Trump during his upcoming visit. The mineral deal and the pursuit of security guarantees reflect Ukraine's ongoing efforts to strengthen its relationship with the U.S. amidst geopolitical tensions.
Zelenskyy's upcoming visit to Washington aims to secure security guarantees, building on the newly announced minerals deal. Such high-level diplomatic engagements often serve as critical junctures for solidifying bilateral relations and addressing pressing geopolitical concerns.
“the current minerals deal is a “framework” agreement and does not contain security guarantees, but added that the deal was intended to open the way to discussing broader agreements with the U.S. and other countries that must include security guarantees.”
Diplomat | Dates | Locations | Details |
---|---|---|---|
AB Antony Blinken | Sep 11→Sep 112024 | Kyiv | Traveled with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy. Met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime M |
AB Antony Blinken | May 14→May 152024 | Kyiv | Met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kul |
AB Antony Blinken | Sep 6→Sep 72023 | Kyiv Yahidne | Met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kul |
AB Antony Blinken | Sep 8→Sep 82022 | Kyiv Irpin | Met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. |
AB Antony Blinken | Apr 24→Apr 242022 | Kyiv | Traveled with Defense Secretary Austin. Met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Foreign Minister Dmy |
AB Antony Blinken | Jan 18→Jan 202022 | Kyiv | Met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba. |
AB Antony Blinken | May 5→May 62021 | Kyiv | Met with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kul |
ranked by frequency and consistency of Secretary of State visits
Source: U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Travel Records
Note: Data represents diplomatic activity from 1997-2024