Israel and Syria agree to ceasefire, says U.S. ambassador to Türkiye
The U.S. ambassador to Türkiye says Israel and Syria have reached a ceasefire deal supported by Türkiye, Jordan, and regional actors after cross-bor...
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has hailed a new mineral resources agreement with the United States as a “win-win” initiative that could unlock $30 billion in military aid, provide critical air defense systems,and serve as a long-term economic and strategic buffer against Russian aggression.
Speaking to journalists in Kyiv on Saturday following talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, Zelenskyy described the proposed deal as “historic,” noting that it would establish a joint investment fund to support the extraction and processing of strategic minerals in Ukraine. In return, the agreement would open the door for American investment, enhanced military support, and a deeper economic partnership.
“This mineral resources deal is beneficial for both sides,” Zelenskyy said, according to remarks published by Interfax-Ukraine. “We aim to defend our territory and our people with air defense systems. That’s why we’re ready for these systems to be part of the deal.”
Zelenskyy confirmed that Kyiv had submitted a list of air defense requirements to Washington, and Trump had shown readiness to consider the request. However, the Ukrainian leader stressed that such systems would need to be purchased, not donated, under the terms of the fund.
$30 Billion Military Aid Framework
The Ukrainian president referenced two tranches of U.S. military aid—$15 billion each for 2025 and 2026—previously approved by Congress. Under the mineral fund framework, both tranches could potentially be advanced and delivered in 2025, with Ukraine gradually repaying its share.
“This would be a $30 billion U.S. contribution, and Ukraine would repay its share gradually. That’s the kind of deal we’re discussing,” Zelenskyy said.
The proposal would also enable duty-free export of raw materials to the U.S., while laying the groundwork for value-added manufacturing within Ukraine. One of the targeted mineral zones is located near Pokrovsk in Donetsk, a front-line area near ongoing conflict with Russian forces.
Strategic and Political Implications
Zelenskyy described the deal as a form of economic insurance for U.S. companies and a strategic shield for Ukraine. “Trump told me personally... Russia won’t touch Ukraine, because we’re partners now,” he said.
He also revealed that he raised the issue of expanded U.S. sanctions on Russia during the meeting with Trump, calling the response “very powerful,” though he declined to offer details.
If finalized, the deal could significantly strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities and provide critical foreign investment into its embattled economy, while further entrenching U.S. involvement in the region’s long-term security architecture.
The world’s biggest dance music festival faces an unexpected setback as a fire destroys its main stage, prompting a last-minute response from organisers determined to keep the party alive in Boom, Belgium.
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will send an upgraded ‘version 3.0’ free-trade agreement to their heads of government for approval in October, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Saturday after regional talks in Kuala Lumpur.
Germany's export slump since 2021 is largely driven by deep-rooted competitiveness issues, the Bundesbank warned in its latest report, calling for urgent structural reforms.
Israeli researchers have unveiled an artificial intelligence tool that can determine a person’s true biological age from tiny DNA samples with remarkable precision.
Two Harry Potter actresses, Emma Watson and Zoe Wanamaker, have each received a six-month driving ban after separate speeding offences, both sentenced on the same day at a Buckinghamshire court.
North Korea has stopped foreign tourists from visiting its new Wonsan-Kalma resort just weeks after it welcomed the first Russian visitors.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Coca-Cola has agreed to use real cane sugar in the U.S., though the company has not confirmed the claim.
The U.S. ambassador to Türkiye says Israel and Syria have reached a ceasefire deal supported by Türkiye, Jordan, and regional actors after cross-border strikes this week heightened tensions.
The Trump administration has completed a controversial prisoner swap with Venezuela, returning around 250 deported Venezuelans in exchange for 10 American detainees.
Congo and the M23 rebel group have agreed on a declaration of principles after months of Qatar-mediated talks, aiming to end fighting in the country’s east.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment