Key points highlight the escalating diplomatic rift as Ukrainian President Zelensky faces pressure from the US regarding critical mineral resources while seeking support to end the ongoing war with Russia.
Ukraine Urged to Negotiate on Critical Minerals as Tensions Rise with US
Ukraine Urged to Negotiate on Critical Minerals as Tensions Rise with US
Trump adviser emphasizes the need for Ukraine to secure a deal on access to vital minerals amid ongoing tensions between Kyiv and Washington.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is under increasing pressure to negotiate a deal concerning access to Ukraine's valuable mineral resources, according to Mike Waltz, the White House national security adviser. This comes after Zelensky dismissively rejected a proposal for a share of Ukraine's rare earth minerals in exchange for US aid, a notion supported by former President Donald Trump, who claims such a deal would reflect America's substantial financial support for Ukraine during its conflict with Russia.
Waltz expressed frustration towards Zelensky during a recent briefing at the White House, particularly in light of Zelensky's recent derogatory remarks towards Trump. Ukraine possesses significant deposits of critical minerals like lithium, titanium, coal, gas, oil, and uranium, valued at billions of dollars, making the negotiation over access to these resources a pivotal issue.
While Waltz suggested that the US could grant greater access to these minerals as part of future aid arrangements or compensation for prior assistance, Zelensky firmly rejected the offer, stating, "I can't sell our state." His comments followed a meeting in Kyiv with US special envoy Keith Kellogg, where Zelensky declared an interest in establishing an "investment and security agreement" with the US to expedite an end to the war.
Despite the purportedly "productive" nature of the meeting, tensions remain high, especially given Kellogg's perceived sidelining by the White House. Reports indicate that the US has recently been less favorable toward Ukraine, refusing to endorse a UN resolution designating Russia as the aggressor in the conflict.
The diplomatic fallout continues as Ukraine finds itself excluded from discussions between senior Russian and American officials aimed at resolution and peace. President Trump, who has been quick to call Zelensky a "dictator without elections," has shifted US foreign policy sharply, favoring direct negotiations with Russia over traditional support for Kyiv.
Going forward, the lack of Ukraine's direct involvement in US-Russia talks raises significant concerns about the country's future in these negotiations. "Nothing is off the negotiating table," asserted US Vice-President JD Vance, but for Ukraine, the ability to influence the discussions remains elusive, as they find themselves outside the negotiation framework.
