Zelenskyy, U.S. in Talks Over Economic Deal as Peace Rift Widens

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has confirmed that Kyiv and Washington are working on an economic deal, but tensions remain over U.S. demands and Ukraine’s exclusion from U.S.-Russia peace talks.

In his nightly address on Friday, Zelenskyy said officials from both countries were negotiating an agreement to strengthen bilateral ties. However, he rejected an initial proposal focused on mineral cooperation, calling it “not a serious conversation” and not in Ukraine’s interests.

"This agreement has the potential to strengthen our relations and, most importantly, the details must be arranged in such a way that ensures it works. I am hoping for a result, a fair result," Zelenskyy said.

The negotiations follow discussions between his chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, and U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz. According to Zelenskyy’s office, Yermak emphasized the need to maintain strong cooperation with Washington.

Waltz, speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference, said he expected Zelenskyy to sign the minerals agreement soon. "Here's the bottom line, President Zelenskyy is going to sign that deal, and you will see that in the very short term," he stated.

Ukraine Rejects U.S. Mineral Demands

Zelenskyy pushed back against U.S. demands for $500 billion worth of Ukrainian mineral wealth as repayment for wartime aid, arguing that Washington had not provided assistance on such a scale. He also criticized the deal for lacking the security guarantees Ukraine is seeking as part of a broader peace settlement.

Meanwhile, tensions between Zelenskyy and former U.S. President Donald Trump escalated this week. Trump, who has launched a bid to broker an end to the war, described Zelensky as "a dictator without elections" for remaining in office without holding a wartime vote.

European Response and Diplomatic Efforts

Zelenskyy also spoke with leaders from Croatia, the Czech Republic, Germany, Slovenia, Ireland, Luxembourg, and Sweden, urging greater European involvement in peace efforts.

"The main conclusion is that Europe must and can do considerably more so that peace can realistically be achieved," he said.

As diplomatic tensions grow, Ukraine remains focused on securing an agreement that meets its economic and security needs while avoiding unfavorable terms imposed by Washington.

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