Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent became the first senior Trump administration official to visit Ukraine, arriving on Wednesday for talks on an agreement that would trade access to Ukrainian natural resources for continued military support.
Mr. Bessent’s trip comes amid anxiety in Kyiv and among American allies about whether U.S. support for the Ukrainian war effort will be maintained with Mr. Trump’s return to the White House.
In opening remarks at a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelensky, Mr. Bessent said that “President Trump has a plan to end this war,” and that “we would like an economic cooperation agreement. In exchange for this agreement, the U.S. will continue to provide material support for the Ukraine.”
Mr. Zelensky described the agreement as a “detailed plan” on strategic partnership between the two countries that would include opportunities for American businesses, and said that Ukraine wanted investment in its resources.
“I’m thankful to the president and his message that he will support Ukraine,” Mr. Zelensky said of Mr. Trump. “And I know that he is strong man, and I am sure that he will push Putin.”
President Trump said Wednesday that he had held a “highly productive” call with President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia to begin working toward a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Mr. Zelensky held a separate call with Mr. Trump.
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