The deal grants the US a stake in Ukrainian rare-earth elements and has been described by Trump as a way for America to recoup hundreds of billions in war aid — and for Kyiv to get implicit security guarantees through the presences of Americans to mine the material, even though commercial success may be in the distant future.

Trump, 78, firmly grasped Zelensky’s right hand while placing his left on the Ukrainian leader’s shoulder.

“He’s all dressed up today,” Trump also said of Zelensky, addressing members of the White House press corps outside the West Wing.

Zelensky was wearing a black, long-sleeved shirt with a Ukrainian trident on it, an upgrade from his classic green T-shirt — but still far more casual than the sartorial splendor of typical world leaders visiting the White House.

The two leaders didn’t answer any shouted questions from the press and walked back into the Oval Office, where they will meet to discuss the mineral deal before having a press conference in the afternoon about their agreement.

The mineral deal, drafts of which were first reported by the Financial Times, will create a joint mineral fund between the US and Ukraine.

Ukraine will contribute 50% of their government-extracted minerals into the fund, and the revenues will be used by the US to invest in other projects in the country.

Trump offered no security guarantees in the deal — but has said the presence of American businessmen on the ground is a “sort of automatic security.”