[1] President Trump has insisted on a resources agreement as a condition for continued support, framing it as a means for Ukraine to "pay back" the substantial U.S. aid provided during the conflict.

[9] In September 2024, President Zelenskyy proposed U.S. participation in developing Ukraine's natural resources in exchange for continued support in countering Russian aggression.

[11] On 16 October 2024, Zelenskyy put forth his proposed План перемоги ("victory plan") to the Ukrainian parliament—Verkhovna Rada which outlined strategies to strengthen Ukraine, and potentially end the conflict with Russia.

This included a "special agreement on joint investment and use" of Ukraine's natural resources—such as uranium, titanium, and lithium—with the European Union and the United States.

[20] A draft of the 25 February proposal entitled "Bilateral Agreement Establishing Terms and Conditions for a Reconstruction Investment Fund" published by CNN, did not provide explicit future security guarantees to Ukraine.

[1][21] The 25 February draft agreement—as reported by Reuters—indicated that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha were designated to sign the document.

[18] For Zelensky, the main objective for the 28 February 2025 Oval Office meeting to "discuss the deal and a possible inclusion of security guarantees", according to the The Kyiv Independent.

[22] On 2 March Zelenskyy told the British media that he believes the relationship between the United States and Ukraine can be restored, and that he will sign the mineral resources deal.

[24][25][26] Le Monde described the Summit as "eighteen allies" coming together "after Trump berated his Ukrainian counterpart in an unprecedented White House blow-up.