Mineral Deal Between US and Ukraine To Be Done This Week

During a Sunday interview on CNN’s “State of the Union,” Steve Witkoff, a special envoy in the Trump administration, expressed optimism about an upcoming agreement between the United States and Ukraine concerning critical mineral resources. He predicted that the deal would likely be finalized within the week.

Witkoff highlighted a change in stance from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, suggesting that Zelenskyy now sees the value in signing the agreement due to significant U.S. support. Commenting on the ongoing conflict, Witkoff argued that it could have been avoided, pointing to discussions about Ukraine’s potential NATO membership as a key factor that heightened tensions with Russia. He emphasized that the provocation wasn’t solely from Russia’s side.

Since resuming office last month, President Trump has been urging both Ukraine and Russia to negotiate an end to the war. In a January Truth Social post, Trump called on Russia to reach a settlement, expressing his fondness for the Russian people and his positive past interactions with President Putin. He referenced Russia’s historical role in World War II, noting their substantial losses, and dismissed past accusations of collusion as a hoax propagated by political opponents.

Trump offered to help Russia, which he described as struggling economically, by encouraging Putin to resolve the conflict swiftly, warning that failure to do so would lead to severe economic measures. He outlined potential consequences, including hefty taxes, tariffs, and sanctions on Russian goods entering the U.S. and other nations, should a deal not materialize soon.

The president presented two paths forward: a straightforward resolution through negotiation or a more challenging one involving economic penalties. He stressed that the war, which he believes would not have occurred under his previous tenure, should end quickly to prevent further loss of life, urging both sides to come