U.S.-Russia Talks to Advance, U.S.-Ukraine Near Mineral Deal

A second meeting between U.S. and Russian officials is set to take place within two weeks, said Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov on Saturday. The meeting, which will be held in a third country, follows an initial round of discussions aimed at ending the war in Ukraine and improving bilateral relations between the two formerly oppositional powers.

Ryabkov stated that both sides have agreed in principle to consultations covering several issues, including Ukraine and arms control. The Kremlin described last week’s meeting as a “very, very important step”. Additionally, a face-to-face meeting between Presidents Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump is being considered for this month.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has repeatedly objected to these meetings being held without Ukraine, and Zelensky and Trump have sparred back and forth verbally over the past week.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has proposed a mere 65-word United Nations resolution calling for a “swift end” to the Ukraine war. Unlike previous resolutions, it makes no mention of Ukraine’s territorial integrity or condemnation of Russia’s invasion. European officials are expected to oppose the resolution, viewing it as a betrayal of Kyiv and international law.

In parallel, negotiations between Washington and Kyiv over access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals have intensified. Trump’s administration has sought access to Ukraine’s vast reserves of titanium, lithium, and rare earth minerals as part of an economic partnership, framing it as compensation for U.S. military aid. Ukraine had initially rejected a U.S. proposal, citing concerns over security guarantees and economic fairness.

However, President Zelensky has since signaled progress, stating that teams from both countries are working on a draft agreement.

Source: tovima.com