U.S. President Donald Trump has expressed admiration for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling him “very brave” ahead of their high-stakes meeting at the White House on Friday. The talks come as Trump pushes for a resolution to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, which has lasted over three years.
Trump’s comments mark a shift in tone after he previously criticized Zelensky for not pursuing peace talks sooner. When asked about his earlier remark calling the Ukrainian leader a “dictator,” Trump appeared to backtrack, saying, “Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that.”
The meeting follows Trump’s recent discussions with Russian officials—the first high-level U.S.-Russia talks since the war began. While details of those talks remain unclear, Trump has suggested that peace negotiations are “moving along rapidly” and has emphasized his commitment to brokering a deal.
One of the key issues on the agenda will be Ukraine’s security guarantees. Zelensky is seeking firm U.S. commitments to deter future Russian aggression, but Trump has remained noncommittal, stating that he is “open to many things” but wants a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine finalized first.
Additionally, the two leaders are expected to sign an agreement granting U.S. companies access to Ukraine’s vast rare earth mineral resources. Trump has argued that American mining operations in Ukraine could serve as a strategic deterrent against Russian interference, stating, “I don’t think anybody’s going to play around if we’re there with a lot of workers.”
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who met with Trump earlier this week, has pledged UK support for a post-war peacekeeping mission in Ukraine. However, he stressed that NATO’s involvement, particularly U.S. backing, would be crucial. Trump assured that the U.S. would support British forces if necessary but expressed confidence in the UK military’s ability to operate independently.
As Zelensky arrives in Washington, the Kremlin has reinforced its stance, ruling out any territorial concessions and insisting that annexed regions, including Crimea, remain part of Russia. With tensions high and diplomatic efforts intensifying, Friday’s meeting could prove critical in shaping the future of the war and Ukraine’s security.
