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.
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.
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.
U.S. President Donald Trump hopes for the signing of a long-awaited peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which could mark a new era of stability in the South Caucasus, a senior U.S. official said.
China has escalated its control over vital mineral exports in retaliation to U.S. tariffs, intensifying global supply chain fears as it tightens curbs on rare earths, battery metals, and strategic technologies critical for defence and green energy.
Moldova is interested in importing natural gas from Azerbaijan to diversify its energy sources and enhance national energy security, the country’s energy minister said in Baku.
The European Commission is challenging Italy's use of "golden powers" in the banking sector, raising concerns over potential breaches of EU law and prompting a broader debate on investment screening rules across the bloc.
Türkiye is committed to advancing the Southern Gas Corridor and supporting regional cooperation on green energy, Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar said.
The United States has expressed its willingness to form a partnership with Greenland in the event of its independence from Denmark, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasising the need to prevent Chinese influence in the region.
Millions in Myanmar are still reeling from the aftermath of one of the strongest earthquakes in a century, as aid agencies navigate complex challenges to reach those in urgent need of assistance.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have partnered with regional banks to launch a clean energy project connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
Aid groups in Myanmar’s worst-hit areas urgently need shelter, food, and water after a devastating 7.7 magnitude earthquake killed over 2,700 people. Rescue efforts face challenges due to ongoing civil war, damaged infrastructure, and restricted aid access, with the toll expected to rise.
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen was banned from running for public office for five years after being convicted of embezzlement, ruling her out of the 2027 presidential race. She received a four-year prison sentence, with two years suspended, and a €100,000 fine. Le Pen plans to appeal.
The inaugural Samarkand International Climate Forum will kick off on 4th April at the Silk Road Samarkand Congress Center in Uzbekistan. The high-profile forum will be held under the theme "Central Asia Facing Global Climate Challenges: Consolidation for Shared Prosperity."
The Armenian armed forces attempted three reconnaissance drone flights over Azerbaijan Army positions near Gerenzur, but all were successfully intercepted. Meanwhile, Armenian units repeatedly fired on Azerbaijani positions from multiple regions, escalating tensions in the area.
The United States has expressed its willingness to form a partnership with Greenland in the event of its independence from Denmark, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasising the need to prevent Chinese influence in the region.
Millions in Myanmar are still reeling from the aftermath of one of the strongest earthquakes in a century, as aid agencies navigate complex challenges to reach those in urgent need of assistance.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have partnered with regional banks to launch a clean energy project connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
The United States has expressed its willingness to form a partnership with Greenland in the event of its independence from Denmark, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasising the need to prevent Chinese influence in the region.
Millions in Myanmar are still reeling from the aftermath of one of the strongest earthquakes in a century, as aid agencies navigate complex challenges to reach those in urgent need of assistance.
Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan have partnered with regional banks to launch a clean energy project connecting Central Asia to Europe via the Caspian Sea.
The first Central Asia-EU Summit has strengthened regional ties, focusing on cooperation in counter-terrorism, trade, energy, and climate change. Leaders committed to supporting stability and development, with significant investments planned for infrastructure and sustainability.
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