Zelensky heralded the discussion with Trump during his Vatican meeting as the most favorable talk.
A Fresh Take:
In a turn of events, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, following his talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, deemed it the most impactful conversation between the two leaders. "I reckon Trump and I had the most meaningful chinwag of all. Granted, it might have been brief, but it was packed with punch," Zelensky declared.
The impromptu discussion took place in the Vatican, coinciding with Pope Francis' funeral on April 26. The encounter occurred amidst a resurgence of tension between Kiev and Washington, with Trump urging the immediate signing of a resource accord and accusing Ukraine of sparking the conflict with Russia.
Subsequent to their Vatican meeting, the US and Ukraine entered into an agreement expanding U.S. access to revenues sourced from Ukrainian minerals such as aluminum, arsenic, and beryllium. This deal also bears the creation of a joint U.S.-Ukrainian investment fund allocated for rebuilding endeavors.
Zelensky emphasized that this agreement as well as the investment fund would serve Ukraine's self-defense, mentioning the need for air defense systems to Trump, to which the Republican hinted he would work on it.
Insights: The US-Ukraine minerals agreement took effect on April 30, 2025, in Washington D.C., and is titled the "Agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the Government of the United States of America on the Establishment of a United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund." [1] Despite focusing on supporting Ukraine's security, economic prosperity, reconstruction, and integration into global economic frameworks, the agreement does not provide specifics on revenue from aluminum, arsenic, and beryllium sales. [1]
- The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky, expressed that his conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump was the most impactful of all their meetings, despite it being brief.
- The Vatican was the unexpected venue for the meeting between Zelensky and Trump, coinciding with the Pope Francis' funeral on April 26.
- Following their meeting, the US and Ukraine sealed an agreement that expands U.S. access to revenues sourced from Ukrainian minerals like aluminum, arsenic, and beryllium, and also establishes a joint U.S.-Ukrainian investment fund for rebuilding efforts.
- During their meeting, Zelensky expressed the need for air defense systems to Trump, and Trump suggested he would work on it, potentially hinting at futurepossible sanctions relief or political support.
