Zelensky confirms US-Ukraine economic deal framework, security guarantees unclear

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced a preliminary 'framework' economic deal with the U.S., which involves sharing future revenues from Ukraine's mineral resources, including hydrocarbons and rare earth minerals. However, this deal does not include explicit security guarantees, which Zelenskyy views as crucial for Ukraine's ongoing conflict with Russia. He hopes to discuss these guarantees and other military aid issues with President Donald Trump during his upcoming visit to Washington. The deal, subject to Ukrainian parliamentary ratification, aims to establish a joint 'Reconstruction Investment Fund' but stops short of solid commitments from the U.S. regarding security. Zelenskyy emphasized that the success of this agreement hinges on his discussions with Trump, particularly regarding military support and the potential use of frozen Russian assets for weapon purchases. Despite the framework's potential, Zelenskyy acknowledged its success could vary, expressing that it may either thrive or fade away based on the forthcoming talks.