A senior White House official has criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for not signing a proposed agreement to grant the United States access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals. The White House National Security Council spokesman emphasized the opportunity presented by the Trump administration for Ukraine to benefit economically and strengthen ties with the U.S. The proposal, reportedly discussed during Zelenskyy's meeting with U.S. Vice President JD Vance, aimed to leverage Ukraine's mineral resources as compensation for past and future American aid.
Zelenskyy expressed concerns about the agreement's focus on U.S. interests and the lack of specific security guarantees. The Trump administration's interest in Ukraine's critical minerals stems from reducing dependence on China and enhancing national security. Zelenskyy stressed the importance of security guarantees and investments to deter potential Russian aggression.
The U.S. officials highlighted the need for a partnership with Ukraine to explore mineral resources, emphasizing the American taxpayers' interest in recouping aid provided to Ukraine. However, Zelenskyy's reluctance to sign the agreement led to discussions on a potential counterproposal from Ukraine.
Meanwhile, European allies are being consulted on negotiations to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with the Trump administration planning talks with Russian counterparts. French President Emmanuel Macron called for an emergency meeting to address the conflict. The U.S. officials underscored the importance of a partnership with Ukraine and the American people's involvement in future investments.
As discussions continue, Zelenskyy's focus remains on ensuring Ukraine's strength in negotiations and involving key stakeholders in the peace process. The evolving dynamics of the negotiations and the strategic interests of all parties involved will shape the future direction of the talks.
