Zelenskiy, Trump Discuss Ceasefire, Air Defense, and Critical Minerals Deal at Vatican

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump held what Zelenskiy called their "best meeting ever" during Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican. The two leaders discussed air defense support, sanctions on Russia, and a newly signed critical minerals agreement between the U.S. and Ukraine.

Zelenskiy stated they agreed on a proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia as the first step toward ending the war. He praised Trump’s firm stance on sanctions, though no specifics were disclosed. A key outcome of their conversation was a strategic minerals deal granting the U.S. preferential access to Ukraine’s mineral sector. The accord also includes the creation of an investment fund governed equally by Ukrainian and U.S. appointees.

Zelenskiy emphasized that U.S. investments would initially remain within Ukraine, supporting reconstruction and domestic defense. He also suggested that U.S. military aid, including $30 billion approved by Congress for 2024, could potentially be expedited and channeled through this new fund.

Air defense systems remain central to Ukraine’s security needs, and Zelenskiy said he asked Trump to include them as part of the U.S. contribution to the fund. Trump reportedly agreed to consider it but noted that such systems aren’t free.

As tensions with Russia persist, Kyiv is pushing for a full 30-day ceasefire, rejecting Moscow’s proposed three-day truce around May 9. Zelenskiy cautioned that Ukraine cannot guarantee the safety of foreign leaders attending Russia’s Victory Day events. In response, Russian official Dmitry Medvedev threatened Kyiv, warning the city may not survive if Ukraine targets Moscow during the celebrations.

The minerals deal marks a milestone, opening Ukraine’s market to U.S. investors amid ongoing global pressure for a resolution to the conflict.