Ukraine's Zelenskyy Visits Trump: What's at Stake?

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington. This meeting is a big deal because it's the first time the two leaders have talked face-to-face since September. The US and Russia have already started talks about ending the war in Ukraine, but Ukraine wasn't invited to the table. Zelenskyy is hoping to secure a ceasefire and some firm security commitments from the US. But Trump has already said he won't make any guarantees beyond a certain point, which leaves Zelenskyy in a tough spot. The meeting could be tense, as Trump recently called Zelenskyy a "dictator without elections" and blamed him for starting the war. Zelenskyy fired back, saying Trump is living in a "disinformation bubble. " The main topic on the table is a deal about natural resources. This deal could bring in a lot of money for both the US and Europe, but it's not clear how the revenue will be shared. Zelenskyy sees this deal as a step towards ending the war on terms that are good for Ukraine. The meeting could be tricky. Trump and Zelenskyy have already been trading harsh words. Trump has threatened to hit EU goods with tariffs, which has caused some tension. Researchers are urging the EU to stand firm on regulating Big Tech and not give in to Trump's threats. They warn that giving in could lead to more bullying and interference from Big Tech companies. Zelenskyy is hoping to get some clear security guarantees from the US. But Trump has been vague about what he's willing to offer. The deal on the table includes a US-Ukraine investment fund, but it's not clear how the money will be split. Trump has described the deal as "payback" for US aid, estimating it could bring in billions for the US and Europe. The meeting could set the stage for future talks between the US and Russia. But first, Zelenskyy and Trump need to find some common ground. They need to agree on a ceasefire in their own war of words before they can talk about peace. The stakes are high. The meeting could determine Ukraine's future. But first, they may need to decide if they can even find common ground.