Trump hints at meeting with Zelenskyy amid US peace initiative for Ukraine

U.S. President Donald Trump announced on February 7 that he is likely to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy next week in Washington, as part of efforts to bring Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table. 

Trump also expressed his intention to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin soon after his inauguration, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

“I will probably be meeting with President Zelenskyy next week, and I will probably be talking to President Putin. I'd like to see the war end,” Trump said during a press conference alongside Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.

Trump reiterated his commitment to swiftly ending the war, which is nearing its third anniversary. The Kremlin welcomed his remarks but clarified that no preparations were currently underway for a meeting between Trump and Putin.

Trump also disclosed that discussions with Zelenskyy would involve Ukraine’s underground rare earth minerals, as well as unspecified “other things.” Ukraine possesses 20 of the world’s critical minerals and metals, including titanium, essential for aerospace and defence industries, and lithium, a key component in electric vehicle batteries.

Previously, Trump suggested that U.S. aid to Ukraine could be linked to access to these strategic resources. Zelenskyy has signalled Kyiv’s openness to mining partnerships with international allies.

“We want security. Because as you know, Europe is putting up much less than us (the U.S.),” Trump remarked, emphasizing Washington’s role in Ukraine’s defence.

The anticipated meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy comes as the U.S. prepares to unveil a long-awaited plan to end Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Keith Kellogg, the U.S. special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, confirmed that Trump will introduce the initiative but did not provide a timeline for its release.

The details of the proposed peace plan remain unclear, but Trump has repeatedly vowed to expedite negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow. The potential diplomatic engagement between Trump, Zelenskyy, and Putin could mark a significant shift in U.S. policy toward the conflict.

By Vugar Khalilov