Donald Trump indicated that the US will soon sign a minerals deal with Ukraine and highlighted positive developments in peace discussions. Zelenskyy dismissed any negotiations for Ukrainian nuclear assets. EU leaders are prepared to impose further sanctions on Russia, while military discussions for an international peacekeeping force are developing. Ukraine continues to engage in military strikes on Russian locations.
Former President Donald Trump announced on Thursday that the United States is poised to sign a minerals and natural resources agreement with Ukraine soon. He expressed optimism regarding the progression of peace talks with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders. “We’re doing very well with regard to Ukraine and Russia. And one of the things we are doing is signing a deal very shortly with respect to rare earths with Ukraine,” he stated during a White House event.
On the topic of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declared that he could not legally consider negotiations over its ownership. “We will not discuss it. We have 15 nuclear power units in operation today. This all belongs to our state,” he asserted at a news conference in Oslo, where he was meeting with Norway’s Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Store.
Ukrainian and US officials are scheduled to meet in Saudi Arabia on Monday to advance discussions on halting Russian and Ukrainian strikes on energy facilities. Simultaneously, the Kremlin confirmed that Russian representatives will also engage in talks with the US in Saudi Arabia.
European Union leaders, excluding Hungary’s Viktor Orbán, expressed readiness to impose additional sanctions on Russia during a meeting in Brussels. They also aimed to strengthen existing sanctions following their discussions with Zelenskyy, who participated by video link. Despite a show of solidarity, the leaders did not immediately endorse Zelenskyy’s call for €5 billion in funding for ammunition purchases.
Significant military leaders from over 30 nations convened in England to discuss plans for an international peacekeeping force in Ukraine, as negotiations for a partial ceasefire progress. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer emphasized the importance of taking steps towards peace, while threatening severe consequences if Russian President Vladimir Putin disregards any agreement.
French President Emmanuel Macron announced that coalition leaders would reconvene next week to finalize plans for a potential truce in the ongoing conflict. Both he and Starmer indicated willingness to deploy troops if necessary.
Reporting by the Financial Times suggested that major European military powers, including the UK and France, are considering increasing their defense responsibilities and may propose a plan to transition financial and military burdens to European capitals.
Recently, Ukraine attacked a prominent Russian bomber airfield, resulting in a massive explosion about 700 kilometers from the war’s frontlines. Concurrently, Russian forces executed a drone strike on Ukraine’s Black Sea port of Odesa, injuring civilians and inflicting property damage. Russia claimed that Ukraine had violated a proposed ceasefire by launching strikes on Russian oil infrastructure.
In summary, the United States is preparing to sign a minerals agreement with Ukraine as peace negotiations progress. President Zelenskyy remains firm in his stance against negotiations related to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station. Meanwhile, EU leaders are positioning themselves for increased sanctions against Russia, while military discussions for peacekeeping grow increasingly collaborative among various nations. The situation remains volatile, with both countries continuing to engage in strikes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
