Last minute US statement from Putin: We are ready to work together

Russian President Putin said , "Russia is ready to offer the US the opportunity to work together in the field of rare earth elements. I believe that Trump wants to improve the political situation in Ukraine . This initiative is more in the interest of Ukraine than Russia. A 50 % mutual reduction of defense budgets with the US is a good idea, and China can join later if it wants."

Zelenskiy is going to the White House! Agenda: Precious metals

While US President Trump hosted French President Emmanuel Macron at the White House, the two evaluated the agenda with members of the press in the Oval Office.

Trump noted that talks were continuing with both Russia and Ukraine to end the Russia-Ukraine War and that they had reached a conclusion on a precious metals agreement with the Kiev administration.

"I will meet with President Zelensky. He may actually come this week or next week to sign the agreement. I would love to meet with him in the Oval Office, that would be great. The agreement is being worked on right now. We are very close to a final agreement," Trump said, emphasizing that the agreement would make significant contributions to both the US and the Ukrainian economy.

Trump, who stated that the talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin were going well, said, "We had very good talks with Russia. We are trying to end the war between Russia and Ukraine. I think we have come a long way in a short period of a few weeks."

"We're getting very close to a deal that's being worked on, we're getting very close to a deal where we get our money back over a period of time," Trump said.

Arguing that the US had helped Ukraine "more than anyone has ever helped before," Trump said, "If I were not president, Ukraine would still be in a situation where it could not even think about peace."

Stating that they have very good relations with France, Trump added that they will make many commercial agreements with this country.

TRUMP'S DEMANDS

Zelenskyy had floated the idea of ​​direct US investment in Ukraine’s rare earths and critical minerals during his meeting with Trump in September 2024, which he saw as a step to ensure that the US would continue to provide military aid to Ukraine. But Trump’s demands were harsher than the reparations imposed on the defeated countries.

Trump claimed Ukraine "agreed to pay $500 billion," telling Fox News, "They have very valuable land. They are an incredible place for rare earths, oil, natural gas, and other resources."