Zelensky met with Trump: here's what we currently know.

Zelensky met with Trump: what is known at this time

On Friday, February 28, the Presidents of Ukraine and the United States, Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump, met at the White House. They will make statements to the media and participate in a ceremony to sign a framework agreement on minerals between the two countries.

The U.S. President welcomed the Ukrainian President at the entrance to the White House. So far, the leaders have not made any statements, reports RBK-Ukraine.

This is the first meeting between the two leaders since Trump took office. Zelensky emphasized the importance of meeting with the American President before Trump's potential negotiations with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which ultimately took place. Zelensky called this a "good signal."

Prior to the meeting, both leaders shared their expectations and plans for negotiations. Trump stated that he anticipated Zelensky's arrival for the signing of a "very large agreement," while the Ukrainian leader noted that this was just a preliminary deal, with the next one expected to be more serious and complex.

The head of the Ukrainian state expressed his expectations from the meeting with Trump. He mentioned that he wanted to discuss not only the agreement with the U.S. but also key issues, including further support for Ukraine from the U.S. and prospects for cooperation between the two countries.

As Zelensky stated, he wants to hear whether Kyiv can expect future support from Washington, and he hopes to receive more specifics regarding the positions of the United States and potential joint steps towards ending the war.

"I will ask very straightforwardly whether the U.S. will stop support or not, whether we can buy weapons if they are not provided as aid, and whether we can purchase weapons directly from the U.S. The third question is whether we can work with frozen assets, for example, for purchasing weapons or for investments in various things - like those minerals," - he said.

In the context of U.S.-Russian negotiations, which are being conducted without Kyiv's involvement, the president wants to emphasize that any decisions regarding Ukraine cannot be made without its participation.

Afterward, Trump referred to Zelensky as a "dictator." Moreover, the U.S. President directly hinted that Ukraine needs to hold elections, as the head of the Ukrainian state allegedly has only a "4% support rating."

However, when Zelensky responded by saying that Trump lives in the Russian "disinformation space," the American leader criticized the Ukrainian president again.

Nevertheless, just before the meeting with Zelensky, Trump's rhetoric softened significantly. This occurred, in particular, against the backdrop of Kyiv and Washington agreeing on the terms of the framework agreement on minerals.

Thus, Trump praised his counterpart and stated that he "cannot believe" he referred to the President of Ukraine as a "dictator."

There was even information the day before that the meeting between Zelensky and Trump could fall through. The BFMTV channel, citing a French diplomatic source, reported that the White House sent a message to the President of Ukraine asking him not to come to the meeting in Washington. However, French President Emmanuel Macron convinced Trump to meet with Zelensky.

"Volodymyr Zelensky called Emmanuel Macron, who, in turn, contacted Donald Trump, asking him to host his colleague and adding that he would vouch for him. Ultimately, Donald Trump agreed, announcing on Wednesday that he would welcome the Ukrainian leader at the White House".

Ukraine commits to contribute 50% of the revenue from future monetization of state natural resources, including oil and gas, to the fund. The funds from the fund will be reinvested in projects within Ukraine.

After the signing of the agreement, both countries are expected to begin work on implementing the deal, particularly regarding the establishment and functioning of the Investment Fund. Issues of specific security guarantees and subsequent military support for Ukraine remain on the agenda for upcoming negotiations between Kyiv and Washington.