According to Herman, Trump made the announcement during a press briefing at the White House.
“I will probably be meeting with President Zelenskyy next week,” said Trump.
The meeting may take place in Washington, the U.S. president suggested. He also mentioned his intention to discuss Ukraine's rare earth minerals with Zelenskyy in exchange for U.S. support.
“One of the things we’re considering with President Zelenskyy is ensuring the security of their assets,” Trump continued.
“They have assets underground—rare earth [elements] and other things. But primarily rare earth. We actually want security because, as you know, Europe invests much less money [in aid for Ukraine] than we do.”
The U.S. president first mentioned trading sustained military aid for mineral rights on Feb. 3.
“We want to make an agreement with Ukraine in which they will secure our aid with their minerals and other resources,” he said at the time, shortly after singing an order appointing Keith Kellogg as the Special U.S. Representative for Ukraine.