Zelensky in the US for important meeting with Trump

The important meeting in the American capital on February 28th takes place less than ten days after Trump named Zelensky dictator, as part of a war of words that the two leaders have withdrawn as they prepare to meet face to face.

What do you envision the mineral deal between Ukraine and the United States?

Zelensky is aiming to strengthen the US support he needs to back his Russia-led invasion of his state, at the time that Trump, who received the mandate last month, has changed the White House's policy by ending the more than three-year isolation that was sparked by the unprotested Kremlin aggression.

The trumpet has criticised Zelensky over war management and the verbal war peaked on February 19th, when he, through a post on social networks, called Zelensky “dicator” who is risking losing his country.

However, Trump appears to downplay these statements and during the joint media conference with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, on February 27th said: “I can't believe I said it”

He also described Zelensky as a very brave “”, while optimistic about the outcome of the war.

We're working hard to end the war. I think we've made a lot of progress and I think we're moving too fast”, Trump said.

The “will be completed either soon or won't happen at all”, he added, failing to make further statements.

The meeting comes in the week when there was a fast-speed diplomacy between Europe and the US.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Trump at the White House on February 27th in efforts to improve transatlantic reports that were damaged due to disagreements over Ukraine and trade.

Starmer called on Trump to ensure the safety of Ukraine in the event an agreement is reached to end Ukraine's Russian occupation.

Trump, who took office a month ago, acted quickly to end the war in Ukraine, conducting a long telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month, and sending his national security team to Saudi Arabia to meet with his Russian counterparts.

The change in US approach to Russia has surprised European leaders, who fear Trump may reach an agreement behind their backs that would harm Ukraine and weaken their national security.

European leaders are now traveling to Washington, promising to increase their role in any agreement in order to push the American president away from an agreement that, according to their concerns, may have many concessions for Russia and which would make them more vulnerable.

During the conference at the White House, Starmer said his state is willing to contribute troops to a peacekeeping force in Ukraine if a war deal is reached.

He also demanded that the war not be over at all costs.

We have to do it right. We must gain peace. There can be no peace that rewards the aggressor. History should be on the side of the peacemakers, not the conqueror”, Starmer said.

Trump has not made pledges offering assurances to a presence of European troops, which was the main request of Starmer and president of France Emmanuel Macron, who remained in Washington on 24 February.

British media said Starmer is seeking assurances from the US air, intelligence support, logistics and communication for a European peacekeeping force.

When asked about US security guarantees, Trump said it is early to talk because a ceasefire agreement has not yet been reached. Before meeting with Starmer, he had declared that offering American security would not be necessary, as Putin could be believed not to violate a peace agreement.

But that opinion is not shared by European leaders or Zelensky. During the media conference with Trump, Macron said Putin has violated earlier agreements with Ukraine, noting why a powerful prevention that would need US security delivery is important.

The Mildest Language

In what is seen as a positive signal for Kiev, Trump evidently softened his tongue against Ukraine during the February 27th conference. He praised the state for protecting the land and avoided criticism of Ukraine or Zelensky when he was journalists.

Last week, he was involved in exchange for charges with Zelensky, falsely accusing Ukraine of war and naming Ukrainian leader “dicator” not holding an election.

I have a lot of respect for him. We've given him a lot of equipment and a lot of money, but they're fighting with bravery”, Trump said.

At the White House, Zelensky will sign an agreement on developing mineral deposits, including rare land minerals and fossil fuels.

Trump has said that the deal will allow the US to recover some of the money provided as assistance to Ukraine over the past three years and will also stimulate Ukrainian economic growth.

During the meeting in Washington, Zelensky is also expected to ask Trump to continue sending weapons to Ukraine, and after the end of the fighting, he offers security guarantees. / REL/