Speaking to reporters, Trump highlighted progress in his efforts to broker peace in Ukraine, stating that talks with both Russian and Ukrainian leaders this week had been going "pretty well."

Earlier this month, the US and Ukraine agreed to conclude a comprehensive agreement aimed at developing Ukraine’s critical mineral resources. Trump views this initiative as a way for Ukraine to repay the United States for its continued assistance.

Efforts to seal the deal stumbled after a tense White House meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy in February, but Trump and Zelenskyy reaffirmed their commitment during a phone call on Wednesday, agreeing to cooperate to end the Ukraine-Russia conflict.