U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky will visit Washington on Friday, as both nations continue negotiations on a deal granting the United States preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources.

Trump made the announcement during his first cabinet meeting on Wednesday, stating that the visit was now officially scheduled.

The agreement under discussion would provide U.S. access to key Ukrainian natural resources in exchange for American support, though negotiations have faced challenges.

On Tuesday, officials reported reaching a framework agreement after extended talks, but Zelensky, speaking from Kyiv, indicated that further negotiations were necessary.

He stated that the initial deal was a starting point and that additional discussions would determine security guarantees for Ukraine as well as financial commitments involved.

‘This deal could be a great success or simply disappear,’ Zelensky said, adding that its success would depend on his upcoming conversation with Trump.

The negotiations have reportedly been tense, with Trump expressing frustration over Zelensky’s initial refusal to sign a draft agreement presented in Kyiv by the U.S. Treasury Secretary.

Following the rejection, Trump was quoted referring to the Ukrainian leader as a 'dictator.'

Further talks between Ukrainian and U.S. officials are expected to clarify the terms of the deal, including the scope of U.S. security commitments to Ukraine.