WASHINGTON, D.C. — A Ukrainian delegation is set to travel to Washington this week for high-stakes negotiations on a critical minerals deal, marking the first formal talks since the original agreement collapsed over a month ago.
The initial framework, which would have secured U.S. access to Ukraine’s rich deposits of titanium, lithium, and uranium, was derailed in late February when an explosive confrontation unfolded at the White House. Then-President Donald Trump reportedly reprimanded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky for what he perceived as a lack of gratitude for American wartime aid, abruptly ending discussions.
Since that dramatic fallout, officials from Kyiv and Washington have been working behind the scenes to salvage the partnership. Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko confirmed that the U.S. has proposed a broader and more ambitious deal, though it remains uncertain how close the two sides are to finalizing an agreement.
The talks come at a tense moment, as Trump — now deeply involved in efforts to influence the conflict’s trajectory — publicly called on Moscow to halt its bombing campaign following a devastating missile strike on Kryvyi Rih. The attack killed 20 civilians, including nine children, intensifying international outrage.
Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said, “We are talking to Russia. We would like them to stop. I don’t like the bombing — the bombing goes on and on, and every week thousands of young people are being killed.”
As diplomatic efforts ramp up, the world watches closely to see whether Washington and Kyiv can repair their fractured ties — and whether pressure from the former U.S. president can help de-escalate the violence in Ukraine.