Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy shared that he had a highly constructive conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump during their recent meeting at the Vatican. According to Zelenskyy, this was the most fruitful exchange the two leaders have had to date.
The two discussed enhancing Ukraine’s air defense capabilities and maintaining strong pressure on Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized their shared support for a 30-day ceasefire as a meaningful first step toward achieving peace.
He noted Trump’s strong stance on sanctions, although specific details were not disclosed. The Ukrainian president also praised a new bilateral agreement on critical minerals, signed earlier in the week, as a significant step forward. The deal is expected to strengthen both Ukraine’s economy and its ability to protect future international investments.
Under the agreement, the U.S. will have priority access to Ukrainian mineral resources, facilitating increased American investment in Ukraine’s reconstruction. Zelenskyy assured that initial funds will be reinvested locally to support infrastructure and economic growth. A joint supervisory board, with equal representation from both countries, will oversee the fund and select its leadership.
On the security front, Zelenskyy reiterated the importance of modern air defense systems and expressed optimism that the U.S. would provide further support in this area. He also discussed the potential for $30 billion in U.S. military aid to be delivered over 2025 and 2026, hinting that some of this support might be expedited as part of the broader minerals initiative.
Zelenskyy described the agreement as historic, marking a significant opening for U.S. engagement in the Ukrainian market. The announcement comes as Ukraine continues to advocate for a long-term ceasefire. While a brief truce was proposed around May 9, Zelenskyy reaffirmed Ukraine’s preference for a longer 30-day cessation of hostilities.
He concluded by noting that while Ukraine cannot ensure the safety of foreign dignitaries in Russia, the country remains committed to peace and dialogue, even under challenging circumstances.
