Trump speaks about U.S. expectations ahead of negotiations with the Ukrainian delegation.

American negotiators expect significant progress in talks with Ukraine this week and hope to sign an agreement on critically important minerals. This was stated by President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff.

Steve Witkoff reported that American negotiators plan to meet with Ukrainian representatives this week in Saudi Arabia.

'I believe we are going there with the expectation of making substantial progress,' Witkoff said in an interview with Fox News.

When asked whether Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky would return to the U.S. to sign the minerals agreement this week, Witkoff replied: 'I truly hope so. All signs are very, very positive.'

Witkoff noted that among the important agenda items will be security protocols for Ukrainians and territorial issues.

This week, discussions will also cover intelligence sharing. Witkoff provided this information before departing for the Middle East for talks regarding Gaza. Nevertheless, he noted that the U.S. has never ceased to provide intelligence for Ukraine's defensive needs.