Ukraine has agreed terms with the US on a minerals deal, according to the Financial Times.

       The FT reports that Ukrainian officials say Kyiv is now ready to sign the agreement on jointly developing its mineral resources after the US dropped demands for a right to $500bn (￡400bn) in potential revenue from exploiting the resources.

       The deal appears to have been confirmed by a senior Ukrainian official but has yet to be confirmed officially.

       The idea was initially proposed last year by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as part of his plan to strengthen Kyiv’s hand in future negotiations with Moscow to end the war.

       Ukrainian officials hope the deal will improve relations with the Trump administration and set up long-term US security commitments.

       In a late twist this evening, Donald Trump has tonight suggested that Zelensky could travel to the US on Friday, the first time the two would have met since trading words last week.