Ukraine is determined to sign a mineral agreement with the US, but Trump insists on a ceasefire before proceeding.

Ukrainian leadership is keen to finalize this mineral agreement, which is crucial for the two nations’ partnership, according to Foreign Ministry spokesman Heorhiy Tykhyi, who made the statement late last week. He indicates that an agreement could be finalized during this week’s talks in Saudi Arabia.

However, as reported by Bloomberg, US President Donald Trump is attempting to condition the agreement on Kyiv’s acceptance of a ceasefire. Washington has clarified that Trump is only willing to conclude negotiations if President Zelenskyy agrees to establish a “genuine path to a ceasefire and negotiations with Moscow.” It is anticipated that discussions on this matter may occur in the coming days during the Ukrainian delegation’s visit to Saudi Arabia.

Meanwhile, there are no indications that the Kremlin is prepared to agree to a halt in hostilities, nor is there any pressure from Washington on Moscow to compromise, which stands in stark contrast to the demands placed on Kyiv.