Donald Trump’s special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, concluded a two-day trip to Ukraine and is close to finalizing a rare-minerals agreement with the country currently under attack by Russia.

According to a source, “Minerals deal nearly done.”

Another source involved in the discussions stated that the Ukrainian side has proposed revisions to the agreement text and sent it back to the American side.

Trump is pursuing this deal in exchange for the billions of dollars the United States has provided to support Ukraine against Russia’s invasion. Trump mentioned on Friday that the mineral deal is “pretty close.”

The White House has clarified that this deal does not guarantee future aid for Ukraine’s war with Russia.

Ukraine is currently engaged in a critical war for its survival. Ukraine’s resistance to Russia’s occupation is seen as a crucial example for free democratic nations in upholding the international order.

Kellogg visited wounded Ukrainian soldiers and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he praised as a “courageous leader.” This contrasts with Trump’s earlier criticism of Zelenskyy as “A Dictator without Elections.”

Trump later retracted his previous statement that Russia did not invade Ukraine, acknowledging on Radio that Putin ordered the invasion.

Rebekah Koffler, a former Defence Intelligence Agency officer, told Digital that the outcome of Trump’s pursuit of rare earth minerals is uncertain due to the situation on the battlefield favoring Russia and complex diplomatic factors. She described it as a battle of wills between Putin and Trump, with Zelenskyy caught in the middle, struggling for survival.

Koffler, author of Putin’s Playbook and host of the Trump’s Playbook podcast, cautioned about potential issues with the minerals deal, noting that a significant portion of the deposits are located in Donbas, Eastern Ukraine, which is controlled by Russia. She added that Putin is aware of Trump’s unconventional business approaches and that Russian forces are moving to take over the Shevchenko region, which contains Europe’s largest lithium deposits.

Russia’s military intervention in Ukraine began nearly three years ago on February 24, 2022, with the aim of illegally annexing the independent nation. Russian forces have been accused of committing war crimes against Ukrainian citizens.

Kellogg’s visit to wounded Ukrainian troops took place at the Irpin Military Hospital, accompanied by Caitlin Doornbas of the New York Post. She reported that Kellogg and Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget A. Brink visited the hospital on Friday, where Ukrainian troops with leg and arm amputations were receiving treatments and being fitted with prosthetics.

The New York Post quoted Kellogg as saying that his primary reason for visiting was to witness the reality of the conflict, as President Trump wants to stop the killing. He emphasized the respect owed to wounded soldiers and the importance of seeing the consequences of war firsthand.

According to the Post, Kellogg spent time with approximately 20 troops, engaging in individual conversations with each one. One soldier, named Andrii, had lost both legs, an eye, his hearing, and suffered a traumatic brain injury.

A Ukrainian soldier named Denis, as reported by the Post, asked Kellogg if Russia could be trusted to negotiate.

Kellogg responded that it’s important to look back at history and be able to negotiate. He stated that all wars end through negotiation and that ultimate victory on the battlefield concludes with diplomacy.

He continued by suggesting a more important question: whether the Ukrainian soldiers could trust their allies to stand with them. He affirmed that the answer was yes.

Kellogg stated that the world recognizes aggression and that diplomacy, while sometimes messy, provides time for politicians and diplomats to reach a conclusion. He emphasized the world’s debt to Ukraine for its sacrifices in allowing diplomats to find a resolution.

The death toll in the Ukraine-Russia war is staggering. The Wall Street Journal reported that estimates from September indicated nearly one million dead and wounded.

Denis, the wounded Ukrainian soldier, told Kellogg that Ukraine needs a strong army, expressing concerns that any peace achieved through negotiations might only last for a limited time before another war breaks out, the Post reported.

Kellogg responded that the intent is to prevent another war.

Kellogg also visited on Friday, a site significant for a major setback for Russian jingoism. The Post noted that Ukrainian soldiers destroyed the bridge during Russia’s initial 2022 invasion, playing a crucial role in halting Moscow’s advance toward Kyiv.

Kellogg told the Post at the bridge that he understands how soldiers fight for freedom and that visiting the site was a chance to show respect to the soldiers who fought there. He added that it was a way for him to pass on his respects.

Kellogg reiterated his understanding of the soldiers’ fight for freedom and the significance of their actions. He emphasized that visiting the bridge was an opportunity to acknowledge their contributions and offer his respects.

The retired General paid tribute to the soldiers who fought against Russian imperialism at the historic site.

He commented on the intangible heart of the soldiers and how that, more than weapons or global support, saved Ukraine. He emphasized that the soldiers’ determination to fight for their country was the decisive factor.

‘ Jennifer Griffin, NaNa Sajaia and Brie Stimson contributed to this report.

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