The rare earth elements agreement between the US and Ukraine, which had led to a deadlock, is expected to be signed this week. The Special Envoy of US President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, hinted at the meetings they will have with a Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia.

By pointing to the upcoming meetings in which he will engage with the Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia, Special Envoy Witkoff mentioned that the rare earth elements agreement with this country could be signed this week. Speaking to the American Fox News channel, Special Envoy Witkoff evaluated the Russia-Ukraine process. Sharing his views on the process in an interview before heading to Saudi Arabia for the meetings with the Ukrainian delegation, Witkoff expressed optimism. When asked if it is possible to sign the rare earth elements agreement with Kiev during this week’s meetings, he replied, “I am genuinely hopeful. I certainly hope so. The signals from (Ukrainian President Volodymyr) Zelensky, (Head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office Andriy) Yermak, and all the Europeans are very, very positive.” Witkoff, who expressed the comment “I think we are going there with an expectation of significant progress. So, I am definitely hopeful about this matter,” noted that the agreement between the US and Ukraine would be beneficial for both countries.

“WE HAVE NEVER COMPLETELY CUT INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT TO UKRAINE”
Additionally, Witkoff addressed questions regarding the cutting of intelligence support to Ukraine in recent days, stating, “We have never completely cut off the defense-related intelligence support that the Ukrainians need. So, this has never been completely severed.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz will accompany Witkoff. The US and Russia met in Saudi Arabia last month to discuss the normalization of bilateral relations and the end of the ongoing war in Ukraine.

TRUMP-ZELENSKY DISPUTE
US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a public disagreement during their meeting in the Oval Office on Friday, February 28. Afterwards, the joint press conference that was announced was canceled, Zelensky left the White House alone, and the rare earth elements agreement was not signed. Trump claimed that Zelensky had “disrespected the American people,” while Zelensky stated that he did nothing wrong to warrant an apology. Speaking at Congress last Tuesday evening, Trump mentioned that Zelensky had sent him a letter and expressed Ukraine’s readiness to sign the rare earth elements agreement and engage in peace talks. Furthermore, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe confirmed that they temporarily paused intelligence support and military shipments to Ukraine following the Oval Office dispute between Trump and Zelensky, emphasizing that this was temporary.