Sat Feb 22 05:13:07 UTC 2025: ## Trump Urges Zelenskyy-Putin Talks, Raises Concerns Over Ukraine Minerals Deal
**Washington, D.C. -** U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday called for direct talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the ongoing war. This statement represents a significant shift in Trump’s rhetoric, following recent criticism of Zelenskyy and accusations that Ukraine initiated the conflict.
Trump’s proposal suggests a willingness to negotiate a settlement, potentially involving a deal granting the U.S. preferential access to Ukraine’s mineral deposits in exchange for security guarantees. This minerals deal has become a major point of contention between Washington and Kyiv, with Zelenskyy rejecting the proposed agreement.
Trump’s comments sparked alarm among allies, particularly after he described Ukraine as being at a disadvantage in negotiations and suggested that Putin faced no pressure to compromise. He further reiterated his reluctance to solely blame Russia for the 2022 invasion, stating that while Putin initiated the attack, Ukraine should have prevented it. He also criticized French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer for their perceived inaction in ending the conflict.
The President’s statements have raised concerns about the potential for concessions to Russia and the implications for U.S. foreign policy. Zelenskyy, while expressing hope for a fair outcome, has yet to respond directly to Trump’s call for direct talks with Putin. The situation remains tense, with the upcoming visits of Macron and Starmer to the White House promising further discussion and potentially heightened tension.
First Piper 