World

Ukraine, US 'agree on framework for economic deal'

By AAP Newswire

Feb 26, 2025

A file photo of Volodymyr Zelenskiy and US officials — Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy (left) plans to visit the US to discuss an economic deal. -AP

Ukraine and the US have reached an agreement on a framework for a broad economic deal that would include the exploitation of rare earth minerals, three senior Ukrainian officials say.

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The officials, who were familiar with the matter, spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak publicly.

One of them said Kyiv hopes that signing the agreement will ensure the continued flow of US military support that Ukraine urgently needs.

US President Donald Trump told reporters that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy wants to come to Washington later this week to sign the deal, after the two leaders exchanged hostile words last week.

Sources said the visit is scheduled for Friday.

Trump also said there needs be some form of peacekeeping troops in Ukraine if an agreement to end the conflict is struck. Moscow has refused to accept any deployment of NATO troops.

Trump's rush to impose an end to Russia's war in Ukraine has stoked fears of far-reaching US concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin that could undermine security in Ukraine and Europe and alter the geopolitical landscape.

It was not immediately clear whether the agreement carries any specific US security guarantees that Ukraine had sought or if Washington has committed to sending additional military aid.

One of the sources familiar with the deal said future weapons shipments are still being discussed between Washington and Kyiv.

Trump last week called Zelenskiy an unpopular "dictator" who needed to cut a quick peace deal or lose his country, while the Ukrainian leader said the US president was living in a "disinformation bubble".

With Reuters

By AAP Newswire

Australian Associated Press