Zelensky extols meeting with President Trump

says the meeting is their "best" yet

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, on Saturday, May 3, 2025 described his recent conversation with US President Donald Trump as their “best” yet.

The two leaders met briefly at the Vatican last month, discussing US sanctions, Kyiv’s air defenses, and a potential 30-day ceasefire.

Positive Developments in US-Ukraine Relations

According to Zelensky, the conversation was the most substantive despite being the shortest.

He stated that Trump made “very strong” comments regarding US sanctions and expressed willingness to work on bolstering Ukraine’s air defenses.

Zelensky also mentioned that he and Trump agreed on a 30-day ceasefire as a potential first step towards peace.

Minerals Deal Signed

The meeting comes after the US and Ukraine signed a crucial minerals deal, which includes creating a joint investment fund.

Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated that the US might contribute new military aid to this fund.

Criticism of Russia’s Ceasefire Proposal

Zelensky criticized Russia’s proposed three-day ceasefire, calling it insufficient and suggesting that a longer truce is needed.

The Russian leader had said the truce would last from midnight May 8 to midnight May 11,

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov described Russia’s move as a test of Ukraine’s readiness to seek peace. He called for “unambiguous and definitive statements” from Kyiv.

Some international leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping and Belarus’s Aleksandr Lukashenko, are expected to gather in Moscow on that date.

Their gathering would be to mark Russia’s Victory Day, commemorating the more than 25 million Soviet soldiers and civilians who died during World War II.

Zelensky said Kyiv won’t be “playing games to create a pleasant atmosphere to allow for Putin’s exit from isolation on 9 May.”

Warning to International Leaders

Zelensky warned international leaders attending Russia’s Victory Day celebrations on May 9 that Kyiv cannot guarantee their safety on Russian territory.

This, he said, was due to the ongoing conflict. Russia’s foreign ministry responded, accusing Zelensky of making threats.

Ongoing Conflict and Diplomatic Efforts

The situation remains complex, with diplomatic efforts ongoing to find a peaceful resolution.

The US and Ukraine continue to work together on strengthening their relationship and finding ways to address the conflict.

Implications of a US-Ukraine tie

A US-Ukraine tie, particularly in the context of their recent minerals deal, has several implications:

Economic Implications

Joint Investment Fund: The US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund will be financed through future revenues from licenses for new projects in critical materials, oil, and gas.

This fund aims to support post-war reconstruction and attract foreign investment.

Critical Minerals Access: The deal is seen as a geopolitical signal to Russia, but it doesn’t guarantee the US access to Ukraine’s critical minerals.

Ukraine retains ownership of its subsoil resources, and investment decisions will be made jointly.

Security Implications

US Military Aid: The agreement indirectly ties the fund to the broader US-Ukraine defense relationship.

This comes with US military assistance delivered after the effective date counting as a US contribution to the fund.

European Security: A potential US withdrawal from Ukraine could weaken NATO and challenge the principle of collective defense, altering the balance of power in Europe.

Global Implications

Global Stability: The US support for Ukraine helps advance global stability and US national security.

A Ukrainian economic collapse would result in greater economic shocks worldwide.

Authoritarian Nexus: The outcome in Ukraine will be decisive in the global competition with China, influencing Beijing’s strategic calculations about Taiwan and the long-term durability of US global leadership.

What does this portend for Russia?

The implications of the US-Ukraine minerals deal for Russia are multifaceted.

Here are some potential consequences that analysts have put forward:

Geopolitical signaling: The deal can be seen as a geopolitical signal to Russia, demonstrating the US and Ukraine’s commitment to strengthening their relationship.

It also potentially counterS Russian influence in the region.

Economic impact: The deal may limit Russia’s access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, potentially weakening Russia’s economic position.

Strategic partnership: The US-Ukraine partnership may lead to increased military cooperation.

This may potentially altering the balance of power in the region and challenging Russia’s interests.

Escalating tensions: The deal could escalate tensions between Russia and the US, as well as between Russia and Ukraine, potentially leading to further conflict or sanctions.

Global implications: The deal may have broader global implications, potentially influencing the balance of power and shaping international relations.

This is particularly in the context of the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Some experts view the deal as a tactical win for the US and Ukraine, rather than a turning point in the conflict.

The deal’s impact on Russia’s naval rearmament and global military posture is also worth monitoring.

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