US President Donald Trump is urging both parties to reach a consensus on a partial ceasefire; however, his administration has not succeeded in facilitating an agreement that satisfies both sides.
Ukraine plans to send a delegation to Washington next week to initiate discussions on a new agreement that may allow the United States to access its abundant mineral resources, as stated by Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko in an interview with The Associated Press.
During her visit to northern Ukraine on Saturday, Svyrydenko remarked, “The latest draft agreement from the US indicates that the desire to establish a fund or engage in joint investments persists.”
The delegation will comprise officials from the Ministries of Economy, Foreign Affairs, Justice, and Finance. Ongoing negotiations regarding the mineral resource partnership have been taking place for several months, testing the resilience of US-Ukraine relations.
A framework agreement was initially set to be signed in February; however, the plan collapsed following a contentious meeting in the Oval Office that included President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ukraine is home to significant reserves of over 20 minerals deemed critical to US strategic interests, including titanium—vital for aerospace manufacturing—lithium, which is crucial for battery production, and uranium for nuclear energy.
In a related development, the US is reportedly looking to enhance its relations with Russia. Russian media has reported that Kremlin envoy Kirill Dmitriev suggested that the next round of US-Russia discussions could occur “as soon as next week.” Dmitriev, who visited Washington last week, is the highest-ranking Russian official to do so since the onset of the war.
Simultaneously, President Zelenskyy expressed satisfaction with the “tangible progress” made during a meeting in Kyiv on Friday with senior military officials from the UK and France. The discussions focused on a proposal from London and Paris to establish a multinational reassurance force in Ukraine once a peace agreement is reached.
On social media, Zelenskyy noted that the talks with UK Defence Chief Tony Radakin and French counterpart Thierry Burkhard resulted in “initial agreements on the structure and deployment of a partner security contingent.”
The action signifies Europe’s effort to regain diplomatic influence after being marginalized by Trump’s direct dealings with the Kremlin.
Russia dismisses truce, US remains unresponsive: Zelenskyy
On Sunday, President Zelenskyy stated that the United States had not reacted after Russia turned down its offer for an unconditional ceasefire, which Ukraine had accepted.
In his evening address, Zelenskyy remarked: “Ukraine has consented to America’s proposal for a complete, unconditional ceasefire. Putin has declined. We are awaiting a response from the United States – thus far, there has been none.”
Russia intensifies aerial attacks
Zelenskyy cautioned on Sunday that Moscow is escalating its aerial assaults following a “massive” missile and drone strike on Ukraine overnight, resulting in two fatalities and at least seven injuries.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy indicated that “the frequency of Russian air strikes is on the rise,” asserting that “the pressure on Russia remains inadequate.”
Cross-border advancement
On Sunday, Russia announced the capture of a village in Ukraine’s Sumy region, marking a rare incursion across the border.
Early Sunday, Russia “initiated a large-scale nationwide offensive against Ukraine utilizing ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones,” according to first deputy prime minister Yulia Svyrydenko.
The defense ministry of Russia reported that its forces had liberated the village of Basivka, situated near the border with Russia’s Kursk region, marking only the second instance of such an advance since 2022.
Moscow also claimed the capture of another village in the Sumy region in early March, although Ukraine has not verified this territorial gain, asserting that it is successfully neutralizing small Russian assault units attempting to breach the border.
These latest assaults occurred just two days after a missile strike on the central Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih resulted in 18 deaths, including nine children, on Friday evening.
