Trump Claims Communication with Putin on Ukraine War as Zelenskyy Proposes Resource Development Deal

In an interview with the New York Post aboard Air Force One on Friday, US President Donald Trump said he had spoken with Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone, attempting to negotiate an end to the war in Ukraine, reports Orda.kz.

Trump did not specify how many times he had communicated with Putin but expressed confidence that the Russian President "cares about" the casualties on the battlefield and "wants people to stop dying."

The US President claimed that the three-year war "would never have started" if he had become president in 2022.

Meanwhile, in a separate interview with Reuters, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is not offering to “give away” its resources but rather proposing mutually beneficial partnerships for their joint development.

The Americans have helped the most, so they should earn the most. They should have an advantage, and they will. I would also like to discuss this with President Trump. If we're talking about a deal, let's make a deal, we're all for it,the Ukrainian leader said.

Zelenskyy revealed that less than 20% of Ukraine's mineral resources, including about half of its rare earth element deposits, are under Russian control. He expressed concern that Moscow might transfer these resources to its allies - North Korea and Iran, which are also considered longtime US adversaries.

Ukraine possesses Europe's largest titanium reserves, crucial for aviation and aerospace industries, as well as uranium used in nuclear power and weapons. Many titanium deposits are located in the northwestern part of the country, away from the combat zone.

Zelenskyy also mentioned that Kyiv and the White House are discussing the possibility of using Ukraine's vast underground gas storage facilities for American liquefied natural gas (LNG).

The Ukrainian President emphasized that Ukraine needs security guarantees from allies as part of any agreement.

At the same time, Trump has also stated he has a specific plan to end the war, expressing hope that "it will happen quickly." He reiterated his position during a conversation with National Security Advisor Mike Waltz aboard Air Force One, saying, "Let's arrange these meetings. They want to meet. People are dying every day."

Vice President JD Vance will reportedly meet with Zelenskyy at the Munich Security Conference next week, and Trump plans to speak with the Ukrainian leader during the same period.

Previously, Trump had claimed he could end the conflict "within 24 hours of taking office."

Original Author: Rimma Karatayeva ,  second article.