Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is gearing up to attend a high-stakes international conference, where he plans to meet with key figures, including U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, on the sidelines of the event. This move underscores Ukraine’s efforts to strengthen its diplomatic ties with the United States, particularly as the country continues to navigate the complexities of its ongoing conflict with Russia. Zelenskyy has also expressed interest in meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, who recently hinted at a potential meeting. While Trump has not confirmed the sit-down, Zelenskyy’s team is reportedly working to make it happen, signaling Kyiv’s desire to maintain open lines of communication with influential U.S. leaders.
The stakes for Ukraine are high as it seeks to solidify support from the United States ahead of any potential negotiations with Russia. The war between the two nations has dragged on for nearly three years, with no clear end in sight. Ukraine is acutely aware that any diplomatic engagement with Russia will require strong backing from its Western allies, particularly the U.S., to ensure a favorable outcome. However, Trump has been a wildcard in this equation. Despite his influence, he has repeatedly expressed skepticism about providing further U.S. military aid to Ukraine and has called for peace talks—a stance that has put him at odds with Kyiv. Ukraine has made it clear that it will not consider any settlement that involves ceding territory to Moscow, a position that has complicated efforts to end the war.
In an effort to keep Trump on its side, Zelenskyy has been dangling an enticing offer: the opportunity for the U.S. to develop Ukraine’s natural resources, including rare earth minerals. These resources are critical for advanced technologies, and access to them could give the U.S. a significant edge in the global market. Zelenskyy made this pitch explicit during a recent interview with Reuters, stating, “The Americans helped the most, and therefore the Americans should earn the most.” He also expressed a desire to discuss the matter further with Trump, framing the offer as a way to deepen the partnership between the two nations.
While this strategy may prove effective in winning over Trump, it also reflects the broader challenges Ukraine faces in maintaining U.S. support. Trump’s administration has been inconsistent in its approach to Ukraine, and his personal opinions on the conflict have often been at odds with the positions of other Western leaders. By offering the U.S. a stake in Ukraine’s resources, Zelenskyy is attempting to create a mutual interest that goes beyond the immediate concerns of the war. This approach not only leverages Ukraine’s natural wealth but also seeks to bind the U.S. more closely to Ukraine’s long-term success.
Zelenskyy’s diplomatic maneuvering highlights the delicate balancing act Ukraine must perform on the international stage. On one hand, the country needs to maintain the support of its Western allies, particularly the U.S., to continue its resistance against Russia. On the other hand, it must navigate the complexities of U.S. domestic politics, where figures like Trump wield significant influence. By engaging with both current and former U.S. leaders, Zelenskyy is hedging his bets and ensuring that Ukraine’s voice is heard in key circles.
Ultimately, the outcome of these efforts will have far-reaching implications for Ukraine, the U.S., and the global balance of power. If Zelenskyy succeeds in securing U.S. support, it could pave the way for a more favorable resolution to the conflict with Russia. However, if these diplomatic efforts falter, Ukraine may find itself increasingly isolated, making it harder to sustain its resistance against Russian aggression. As the conference approaches, all eyes will be on Zelenskyy’s ability to navigate this treacherous landscape and secure the backing his country so desperately needs.
