Ukraine War Briefing: U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal and Ongoing…

Donald Trump announced a forthcoming minerals deal with Ukraine, claiming progress toward peace. Zelenskyy rejected discussions about U.S. ownership of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. The EU considers further sanctions, while military officials from various countries strategize for peacekeeping efforts. Ukraine’s drone strikes target Russian facilities, leading to ongoing tension.

Donald Trump announced a forthcoming minerals and natural resources agreement with Ukraine, asserting that progress is being made towards a peace deal in the ongoing conflict. During a White House event, Trump highlighted that a deal regarding rare earth minerals will be signed soon. Recent comments from the White House suggest a shift from considering ownership of Ukraine’s mineral wealth to more cooperative engagement. Trump also indicated that the U.S. may oversee Ukrainian nuclear power plants, including Zaporizhzhia, if a ceasefire is established.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy responded firmly, stating that discussions regarding foreign ownership of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station are illegal. “We will not discuss it. We have 15 nuclear power units in operation today. This all belongs to our state,” he asserted during a press conference in Oslo. Additionally, Zelenskyy announced upcoming talks in Saudi Arabia with U.S. officials, aimed at establishing a ceasefire concerning energy targets, shortly after the Kremlin confirmed similar discussions with Russian officials.

EU leaders, except Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, expressed readiness to intensify sanctions against Russia after discussions with Zelenskyy via video link. Although they collectively agreed on the necessity for further sanctions and support for Ukraine, Zelenskyy’s request for at least €5 billion for artillery ammunition purchases was not immediately endorsed. “We need funds for artillery shells and would really appreciate Europe’s support with at least €5bn ($5.42bn) as soon as possible,” Zelenskyy stated. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the need for concrete actions to accompany the declared support for Kyiv.

Senior military officials from over 30 nations convened in England to develop plans for an international peacekeeping force as discussions of a ceasefire advance. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer noted steps are being taken in the right direction toward a potential peace deal, emphasizing the consequences for Russia if agreements are violated. Starmer refrained from reiterating a previous promise to deploy troops to Ukraine, alongside French President Emmanuel Macron, who indicated a future meeting to finalize truce arrangements.

In related developments, Ukraine successfully targeted a strategic Russian airfield using drones, resulting in a significant explosion approximately 700km from the frontline. Verified footage depicted extensive damage, including a fire spreading from the airbase in Engels, which hosts Russia’s strategic bombers. Conversely, Russian drone attacks on Ukraine’s Odesa port inflicted injuries and property damage, overshadowed by accusations from Russia claiming Ukraine violated ceasefire terms by attacking an oil depot in Krasnodar, which is crucial for oil transport to the Black Sea.

The situation in Ukraine remains complex, with the U.S. indicating plans for a minerals deal while also proposing potential oversight of Ukrainian nuclear plants. Zelenskyy’s firm stance against negotiations over Zaporizhzhia signifies legal and national territorial concerns. The EU’s supportive actions, despite delays in funding commitments, alongside military preparations by European nations highlight a coordinated response to the conflict. Continuous drone warfare from both sides further complicates the ceasefire prospects.

Original Source: www.theguardian.com