Trump may meet Zelenskyy in Washington next week

President Donald Trump announced on February 7 that he will likely meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy next week in Washington, as the US prepares to unveil a plan aimed at ending Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine.

During a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, Trump stated that he also plans to speak with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very quickly” after his inauguration. “I’d like to see the war end,” Trump said, reaffirming his commitment to brokering negotiations between Kyiv and Moscow.

The Kremlin welcomed Trump’s remarks but noted that no preparations for a meeting with Putin are currently underway.

Trump revealed that his talks with Zelenskyy will cover Ukraine’s underground rare earth minerals and “other things.” The US has previously expressed interest in securing access to Ukraine’s vast reserves of critical minerals, such as titanium—essential for aerospace and defense industries—and lithium, a key component of electric vehicle batteries.

Earlier, Trump suggested that Washington could seek Ukrainian rare earths in exchange for continued aid. Zelenskyy has indicated Kyiv’s willingness to collaborate with international partners on mining operations.

“We want security. Because as you know, Europe is putting up much less than us,” Trump said, suggesting that European allies should increase their contributions to Ukraine’s defense.

The meeting comes as Trump’s administration finalizes a long-awaited strategy to end the war. Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, confirmed that Trump will introduce the plan but did not specify a timeline.

As the war nears its third anniversary, Trump has repeatedly vowed to bring Kyiv and Moscow to the negotiating table, though details of his proposed peace initiative remain unclear.