Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Friday evening: ‘We’re signing an agreement, hopefully in the next fairly short period of time.’
A deal could be struck as soon as Saturday, people briefed on negotiations told the Wall Street Journal. The exact terms are not yet clear, however Trump had been pushing for $500 billion worth of minerals in exchange for continued military support.
It comes after Zelensky angered Trump so much during negotiations that the president threatened to completely pull US funding from Ukraine, Axios reported.
Reuters also reported that American negotiators said they may cut Kyiv‘s access to Elon Musk‘s Starlink, which has been heavily relied on for civilian and military use, if it did not agree to the mineral rights deal.
Donald Trump appears to have won his trade standoff with Volodymyr Zelensky, as the Ukrainian president is set to give in and sign a deal giving the U.S. access to deposits of critical minerals.
The deal was seen as crucial for satisfying Washington’s demands for a peace settlement between Ukraine and Russia to end their three-year long war.
Volodymyr Zelensky does not allow “Freedom of the Press”
Zelenskyy: ‘The time has come’ for a European army
Me: Ffs, no way!
Trump’s Ukraine Strategy: Realism Over Rhetoric
A Clear Stance on Ukraine
For three years, President Donald Trump and his allies have made a simple argument: the war in Ukraine would not have started if he were in office. They also argue that neither Europe, nor the Biden administration, nor Ukraine itself has a clear path to victory. These points were true three years ago, two years ago, last year, and remain true today.
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Despite these warnings, policymakers dismissed the concerns of those who were obviously right. Now, after billions in aid and mounting losses, many are questioning the approach taken by the Biden administration and European leaders. What is the actual strategy for Ukraine? Another aid package? Ignoring the reality on the ground?
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Ignoring the Reality of War
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While some officials continue to push for more support to Ukraine, they fail to address key challenges. Russia has a massive numerical advantage in manpower and weapons. Western aid has not changed this balance, and Europe’s industrial base cannot keep up. Western stockpiles are running low, and production cannot match demand.
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Instead of addressing these realities, critics rely on historical comparisons that do not apply. Quoting a book about George H.W. Bush and Cold War diplomacy does not solve the crisis. Historical references have their place, but they should not replace clear, fact-based decision-making.
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The American Interest First
President Trump’s approach is rooted in American interests, not abstract moral arguments. The facts are clear:
Western European security has benefitted from U.S. generosity, yet many European policies on migration and censorship contradict American values.
Russia holds a significant numerical advantage in Ukraine, and no amount of aid will change that reality.
The United States still has substantial leverage over both sides of the conflict.
Ending the war requires direct negotiations with those involved, rather than prolonging the fighting.
The ongoing conflict is draining American military stockpiles, stretching economic tools like sanctions, and diverting attention from other pressing global issues.
The continued war harms Russia, Ukraine, and Europe. But most importantly, it weakens the United States.
Despite the media’s attacks, pursuing peace is not “appeasement.” It is a recognition of reality. The alternative—endless war with no clear victory—serves no one’s interest. The Biden administration has failed to outline a long-term solution beyond sending more aid. Europe lacks the military and industrial strength to sustain a prolonged fight. Ukraine cannot outmatch Russia’s numbers, no matter how much Western support it receives.
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President Trump understands these facts. His policy will be guided by American interests, not by vague moralism or misguided historical comparisons. His stance remains clear: the war must end, and peace must be pursued now. For the sake of Ukraine, Europe, and—most importantly—the United States.
