Olivia
February 17, Kyiv: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected a proposal from the Trump administration that would grant the United States significant access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, according to a Ukrainian official close to Zelenskyy. The proposal, which U.S. officials suggested could serve as repayment for the support Washington has provided Ukraine in its war with Russia, was not accepted by Zelenskyy due to concerns over insufficient security guarantees for Ukraine.
The proposal, first put forward by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, would have given the United States 50% ownership of Ukraine’s rare earth mineral reserves. However, Zelenskyy, speaking at the Munich Security Conference, stated that he did not allow his ministers to sign the agreement, as it was not yet prepared to adequately protect Ukraine’s interests.
Zelenskyy was quoted by The Associated Press on Saturday, explaining, “I didn’t let the ministers sign a relevant agreement because in my view it is not ready to protect us, our interests.” This move highlights the president’s hesitation to make agreements that could leave Ukraine vulnerable without sufficient protection and assurances.
In response, a U.S. official characterized Zelenskyy’s rejection of the deal as “short-sighted,” emphasizing that the proposed agreement would strengthen the long-term partnership between the U.S. and Ukraine. The official argued that binding economic ties with the United States would provide a critical safeguard against future aggression and be a key component of lasting peace. “The U.S. recognizes this, the Russians recognize this, and the Ukrainians must recognize this,” the official stated.
Additionally, U.S. officials involved in the proposal hinted at the possibility of deploying American troops to Ukraine to protect the rare earth minerals, but only after a peace deal with Russia was reached to end the war.
This development marks a significant moment in Ukraine’s ongoing negotiations and partnerships with international allies as it seeks to navigate the complexities of its war with Russia, economic recovery, and national security.
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Kathy
Stacy
