US sees progress in Ukraine talks, hopes for minerals deal, envoy says

The United States is expecting significant progress in ongoing talks with Ukraine this week and is hopeful that a crucial agreement on critical minerals can be finalized, Steve Witkoff, President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy said.

Witkoff revealed that US negotiators are scheduled to meet with Ukrainian officials this week in Saudi Arabia, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

“I think that we’re going over there with an expectation that we’re going to make substantial progress,” he said.

When asked if Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would return to the United States to sign the minerals deal, Witkoff expressed optimism, stating, “I am really hopeful. All the signs are very, very positive.”

Key issues on the table during this week’s discussions will include security protocols for Ukraine and matters related to territorial boundaries. Intelligence sharing will also be a focal point. Witkoff emphasized that the US has always provided Ukraine with the necessary defensive intelligence, clarifying, "The US never shut off intelligence for anything defensive that Ukrainians needed."

Witkoff's comments come just before his departure for the Middle East to engage in talks on the ongoing situation in Gaza. The ongoing discussions with Ukraine are seen as critical to strengthening ties and ensuring Ukraine's defence and territorial integrity in light of the ongoing conflict in the region.

By Vafa Guliyeva