Trump Shifts Stance on Ukraine War, Hints at U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal

U.S. President Donald Trump reversed his stance Friday, admitting that Russia invaded Ukraine, contradicting his earlier statement that the war "should have never started." Speaking to Fox News Radio, Trump blamed both Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and then-U.S. President Joe Biden for failing to prevent the invasion.

Trump also hinted at an upcoming minerals agreement between Ukraine and the U.S., suggesting a deal could be signed soon. Zelenskiy confirmed negotiations were ongoing but emphasized the need for fairness. However, tensions flared earlier in the week when Trump labeled Zelenskiy a "dictator" and urged him to settle quickly with Russia or risk losing Ukraine.

The shift in U.S. rhetoric has unsettled European allies, raising concerns that Kyiv may be pressured into an unfavorable peace deal benefiting Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelenskiy had initially accused Trump of being misled by "disinformation" but later expressed hope for pragmatic American diplomacy.

A key sticking point in negotiations is Ukraine’s vast mineral wealth, including lithium, cobalt, and rare earth metals, which the U.S. seeks in exchange for wartime aid. Zelenskiy rejected a reported U.S. demand for $500 billion worth of minerals, arguing that American assistance has not yet reached that scale and lacks firm security guarantees.

Meanwhile, the U.S. proposed a UN resolution marking three years since Russia's invasion, calling for an end to the conflict. Ukraine and its European allies seek a stronger resolution advocating for de-escalation and peace talks.

Polish President Andrzej Duda, a longtime Trump ally, urged Zelenskiy to maintain constructive relations with the former president. Duda is set to meet Trump in Washington on Saturday to discuss the ongoing crisis.