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When President Volodymyr Zelenskyy returns to the White House on Friday, expectations are for a markedly different mood from February’s on-camera rebuke. After two calmer meetings since, President Trump has touted Ukraine’s chances of reclaiming all its territory, voiced disappointment in Vladimir Putin, and—after a call Thursday—announced a Budapest meeting with the Russian leader to seek an end to the war, claiming “great progress.” Washington Ukraine backers are urging tougher sanctions and more weapons. Kyiv, meanwhile, granted U.S. access to rare earths in April, as experts float joint ventures in Ukrainian drone technology.

Prepared by Lauren Mitchell and reviewed by editorial team.