Trump Acknowledges Zelenskys Situation, Promises Swift Mineral Agreement

On Thursday, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he does not hold Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accountable for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, although he continued to express his criticisms of the pro-Western leader.

Trump has consistently made the erroneous assertion that Ukraine instigated the conflict, and this week he accused Zelensky of being responsible for «millions» of deaths.

«I don’t consider Zelensky responsible, but I’m certainly not pleased that the war began,» Trump said during a meeting at the White House with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. «I’m not placing the blame on him, but I wouldn’t say he has done an outstanding job, alright? I’m not his biggest supporter.»

Earlier this week, Zelensky extended an invitation to Trump to visit Ukraine and witness the devastation caused by the war firsthand. In response, Trump issued threats against CBS after their Sunday interview with Zelensky.

This invitation came after a heated exchange at the White House in late February, which involved Zelensky, Trump, and U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and took place in front of the media.

Meloni commented to reporters that «we have been collectively supporting Ukraine’s freedom, and together we can establish a just and enduring peace. We back your endeavors.»

The far-right politician has positioned Italy in support of European initiatives to bolster Ukraine’s defenses since the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion in early 2022.

On Thursday, Trump mentioned that an agreement concerning Ukraine’s extraction of its vital minerals could be finalized as soon as next week.

There had been progress towards signing this agreement until a February dispute between Trump and Zelensky temporarily hindered negotiations.

«We have a minerals deal that is likely to be signed next Thursday… very soon. I expect they will uphold their end of the agreement. So we shall see. But we do have a deal regarding that,» Trump stated.

Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent informed AFP that a target date for the deal has been set for April 26.