Zelensky says Ukraine, U.S. preparing for talks on Friday

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that U.S. and Ukrainian teams are preparing for negotiations on Friday, reported Xinhua.

In his evening address, Zelensky said he will meet U.S. President Donald Trump.

The minerals partnership agreement, support for Ukraine and security guarantees will be on the agenda of the potential meeting, Zelensky said.

"It is important to me and to all of us around the world that the U.S.'s aid is not stopped. Strength is essential on the path to peace," he said.

Earlier, Zelensky said that the minerals deal with the United States does not include any provisions related to Kiev's debt.

"Despite media reports, the agreement does not include 500 billion U.S. dollars in debt, nor 350 billion dollars, nor 100 billion dollars. Because that would be unfair," Zelensky was quoted as saying by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

As part of the deal, Ukraine and the United States are set to sign an agreement on establishing a joint investment fund, which will require parliament ratification, he said.

Zelensky also noted that he was considering an invitation from the United States to visit Washington soon, though the details of the possible trip are yet to be agreed on.