The refusal highlights tensions over U.S. support in the fight against Russian aggression.
Ukraine Refuses U.S. Offer to Surrender Mineral Resources for Support
Ukraine Refuses U.S. Offer to Surrender Mineral Resources for Support
President Zelensky turns down a half-share of Ukraine's mineral wealth amidst ongoing negotiations with the Trump administration.
In a significant development amidst ongoing negotiations, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has publicly rejected a proposal from the Trump administration that sought to acquire half of Ukraine’s valuable mineral resources. The controversial offer, which emerged from a closed-door meeting on Wednesday, would have granted the United States a 50 percent stake in the country's mineral assets, including critical resources like graphite, lithium, and uranium. These negotiations come at a time of increasing strain between Kyiv and Washington regarding future assistance in Ukraine's war efforts against Russian forces.
According to individuals close to the discussions, the proposal was presented during the first visit by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Ukraine, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in the region. Despite the prospect of receiving continued American support, Zelensky found the terms unsatisfactory, primarily due to the lack of corresponding security guarantees from Washington. Current negotiations remain ongoing, with a Ukrainian official noting that a counterproposal is being considered ahead of Zelensky's upcoming appearance at the Munich Security Conference, where he is set to meet with Vice President JD Vance.
While Zelensky has confirmed the rejection of the proposal, the details remain closely guarded, emphasizing the delicate balance of diplomacy and security involved in these discussions. The incident underscores the growing tensions over U.S. support for Ukraine and highlights the complex nature of international negotiations during times of crisis.
According to individuals close to the discussions, the proposal was presented during the first visit by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Ukraine, aimed at addressing the ongoing conflict in the region. Despite the prospect of receiving continued American support, Zelensky found the terms unsatisfactory, primarily due to the lack of corresponding security guarantees from Washington. Current negotiations remain ongoing, with a Ukrainian official noting that a counterproposal is being considered ahead of Zelensky's upcoming appearance at the Munich Security Conference, where he is set to meet with Vice President JD Vance.
While Zelensky has confirmed the rejection of the proposal, the details remain closely guarded, emphasizing the delicate balance of diplomacy and security involved in these discussions. The incident underscores the growing tensions over U.S. support for Ukraine and highlights the complex nature of international negotiations during times of crisis.
