Zelensky Heads to Washington: A Crucial Meeting with Trump on Rare Earths and Ukraine’s Security

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced his intention to meet with Donald Trump at the White House this Friday, February 28. During a press conference in Kiev, he clarified that the meeting would be an opportunity for him to ask his American counterpart a direct question: “Will the United States continue to support Ukraine, or should we consider buying weapons instead of relying on aid?”

A Strategic Deal on Rare Earths

This visit comes as the two countries are in the final stages of negotiations regarding an agreement on the exploitation of rare earths in Ukraine, a resource that has become crucial for the United States. Zelensky described the deal as a “beginning” and a “framework agreement,” emphasizing that its success will depend on discussions with Donald Trump. The U.S. president had previously expressed his support for the meeting, noting that Zelensky could visit Washington “this week or next.”

However, Trump’s stance on Ukraine has recently hardened, particularly due to the negotiations over rare earths. He referred to Zelensky as a “dictator without elections,” accusing him of failing to organize democratic elections.

A Successful Counteroffensive Near Pokrovsk

On the military front, the Ukrainian army claimed a successful counteroffensive near Pokrovsk, a city that Russian forces had been trying to capture for months. Kiev also reported a successful operation near a key highway leading to Dnipro in central Ukraine. This advancement represents a rare victory for Ukraine, whose army has been retreating in many areas on the eastern and northeastern fronts for months.

Security Guarantees Requested by Italy

Meanwhile, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for “security guarantees” for Kiev, emphasizing that these should be provided within the framework of NATO to ensure a “just and lasting peace.”

Russo-American Diplomacy: A Meeting in Turkey

In addition, a diplomatic meeting will take place on Thursday in Turkey between Russian and American diplomats, aiming to address the systemic issues that have accumulated in the region.