Zelenskiy discussed defence, sanctions with Trump

UKRAINIAN President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said he discussed air defence systems and sanctions on Russia with Donald Trump on the sidelines of Pope Francis’ funeral at the Vatican, in what he called the best meeting the two had ever had.

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In comments released by his presidential administration, Zelenskiy also said he and the US president agreed that a 30-day ceasefire between Kyiv and Moscow was the correct first step towards ending the war in Ukraine.

He said he raised the topic of sanctions with Trump at the impromptu meeting last week, and that Trump’s response on this question was “very strong” Zelenskiy did not give specifics.

He also said the critical minerals deal signed by the two countries on Wednesday was mutually beneficial, and that it would allow Ukraine to defend future US investments, as well as its own territory and people.

The accord, heavily touted by Trump, will give the US preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals deals and unleash US investment in Ukraine's reconstruction.