US President Donald Trump appeared to step back from his earlier statement that Volodymyr Zelenskyy began the war. He clarified that he doesn’t blame the Ukrainian president “responsible” for Russia’s attack on Ukraine, and also mentioned that a mineral deal would be announced “soon”. Speaking at the White House with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Trump said, “I don’t hold Zelensky responsible but I’m not exactly thrilled with the fact that that war started.” “I’m not blaming him, but what I am saying is that I wouldn’t say he’s done the greatest job, OK? I am not a big fan,” he further said.

Trump has repeatedly accused Ukrainian President Zelenskyy of starting the war and blamed him for causing the deaths of millions. In response, Zelenskyy has invited the U.S. president to visit Ukraine and see the devastation firsthand. On Thursday, the U.S. president said a deal with Ukraine to access its valuable mineral resources could be finalised as early as next week. Talks between Kyiv and Washington were reportedly close to completion before a February dispute between Trump and Zelenskyy temporarily put the agreement on hold.

“We have a minerals deal which I guess is going to be signed on Thursday… next Thursday. Soon. And I assume they’re going to live up to the deal. So we’ll see. But we have a deal on that,” Trump expressed.

Kyiv’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko shared on X that Ukraine has signed a “Memorandum of Intent” with Washington to create an “Investment Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine.” She also said, “There is a lot to do, but the current pace and significant progress give reason to expect that the document will be very beneficial for both countries.”

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told AFP they aim to finalise the deal by April 26.