The deadlock over rare earth elements agreement between the USA and Ukraine is expected to be signed this week. Steve Witkoff, Special Envoy of President Donald Trump, indicated towards upcoming discussions with the Ukrainian delegation in Saudi Arabia.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, appointed by President Donald Trump, hinted at the possibility of signing the rare earth elements agreement with Ukraine this week during talks with their delegation in Saudi Arabia. Speaking to American Fox News, Witkoff evaluated the Russia-Ukraine process. In an interview before departing to Saudi Arabia for discussions with the Ukrainian delegation, Witkoff shared his optimistic views on the process. Witkoff expressed hope when asked if the signing of the rare earth elements agreement with Kiev is possible during the discussions this week, stating, “I am really hopeful. I certainly hope so. All signs from President Zelensky, Chief of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak, and the Europeans have been very, very positive.” Commenting, “I believe there is an expectation of significant progress. Therefore, I am definitely hopeful about this.” Witkoff added that the agreement between the USA and Ukraine will be beneficial for both countries.

“WE NEVER COMPLETELY HALTED INTELLIGENCE SUPPORT TO UKRAINE” Meanwhile, Witkoff addressed questions regarding the halt of intelligence support to Ukraine, stating, “We never cut off the defense-related intelligence support that Ukrainians need. Therefore, it was never completely halted.” US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and National Security Adviser Mike Waltz will accompany Witkoff. Last month, the USA and Russia met in Saudi Arabia to discuss normalizing bilateral relations and ending the ongoing war in Ukraine.

TRUMP-ZELENSKY DISPUTE President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had a public dispute in the Oval Office on Friday, February 28. The joint press conference that was announced to follow was canceled, and Zelensky left the White House alone, with no rare earth elements agreement signed. Trump defended that Zelensky was disrespectful to the American people, while Zelensky stated he had done nothing wrong to apologize for. Speaking in Congress last Tuesday, Trump mentioned that Zelensky sent him a letter expressing readiness for signing the rare earth elements agreement with the USA and engaging in peace negotiations. Furthermore, Director of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) John Ratcliffe confirmed that they temporarily halted intelligence support and military shipments to Ukraine after the Oval Office dispute between Trump and Zelensky, emphasizing that it was temporary.