In a notable diplomatic clash, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has publicly rejected a proposal from the Trump administration that would have seen Ukraine cede half of its mineral resources to the United States, illustrating growing tensions over U.S. support in the ongoing conflict with Russian forces.
Ukraine Declines U.S. Offer for Mineral Resource Share Amid Ongoing War
Ukraine Declines U.S. Offer for Mineral Resource Share Amid Ongoing War
Ukraine's President rejects a U.S. proposal for significant control over its mineral resources, citing lack of security guarantees.
In a closed-door meeting held in Kyiv, Zelensky dismissed the U.S. offer, which was reportedly tied to a promise of continued aid in Ukraine’s war effort against Russia. The proposal included a 50% interest for the U.S. in key minerals such as graphite, lithium, and uranium. Two European officials who were briefed on the deal confirmed its existence, while a Ukrainian official noted the inclusion of Ukrainian energy resources in the negotiations.
The meeting on Wednesday with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent marked the first visit by a Trump administration official to Ukraine since the onset of the conflict. Despite the negotiations, the expected chasm between Kyiv and Washington seemed to widen as the Ukrainian leadership sought more favorable terms.
President Zelensky is set to attend the Munich Security Conference, where he plans to discuss the rejected U.S. offer with Vice President JD Vance. According to sources, Zelensky intends to propose an alternative deal, although details of a counterproposal remain unclear.
Acknowledging the request from the Trump administration, Zelensky confirmed to reporters in Munich that the proposal was turned down due to the absence of security guarantees from the U.S. The situation underlines the delicate balance of support and expectations as Ukraine navigates its complex relationship with Washington amidst the ongoing war with Russia.
The meeting on Wednesday with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent marked the first visit by a Trump administration official to Ukraine since the onset of the conflict. Despite the negotiations, the expected chasm between Kyiv and Washington seemed to widen as the Ukrainian leadership sought more favorable terms.
President Zelensky is set to attend the Munich Security Conference, where he plans to discuss the rejected U.S. offer with Vice President JD Vance. According to sources, Zelensky intends to propose an alternative deal, although details of a counterproposal remain unclear.
Acknowledging the request from the Trump administration, Zelensky confirmed to reporters in Munich that the proposal was turned down due to the absence of security guarantees from the U.S. The situation underlines the delicate balance of support and expectations as Ukraine navigates its complex relationship with Washington amidst the ongoing war with Russia.
