During U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to Washington, a reporter pressed President Trump on whether he still viewed Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelensky as a “dictator.” His response? A quick pivot. “Did I say that? I can’t believe I said that. Next question?” he quipped.
Just days earlier, Trump had blasted Zelensky on Truth Social, branding him a “dictator without elections.” Now, that tough rhetoric seems to be fading.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed a minerals deal with Washington is finalized—but there’s a catch. Kyiv won’t sign off unless it’s tied to solid security assurances. Zelensky called the agreement a “beginning” and a “framework,” emphasizing that without clear expectations from the U.S., the deal could either thrive or vanish.
He also made one thing clear: he plans to ask Trump directly whether he’ll pull military aid to Ukraine.
Reports suggest the deal includes a provision requiring Ukraine to allocate 50% of its revenue from state-owned mineral sales—including oil and gas—into a special fund. The goal? To reinvest in Ukrainian projects, ensuring long-term stability.
As negotiations unfold, all eyes remain on Trump’s next move—and whether his softened tone signals a shift in policy or just a momentary retreat.
