Zelenskyy Meets Trump, Seeks U.S. Security Guarantees for Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting with President Donald Trump in Washington to finalize a significant economic agreement aimed at aiding Ukraine's reconstruction and strengthening bilateral ties. The deal includes the establishment of a jointly managed investment fund, with Ukraine contributing future revenues from its natural resources, particularly rare-earth minerals. While the agreement marks a step towards ending the conflict, Zelenskyy insists on securing explicit U.S. security guarantees against Russian aggression, which are to be discussed separately. Trump has framed the economic deal as compensation for past aid to Ukraine, but his reluctance to commit to security assurances raises concerns in Kyiv about potential vulnerabilities. Many Ukrainians fear that a rushed peace deal could empower Russia for future aggression, emphasizing the need for comprehensive security measures. The discussions may also address the potential deployment of European peacekeeping forces as part of a broader peace settlement.