Amid rising tensions, a senior White House adviser emphasized the need for Ukraine to negotiate a deal granting US access to its valuable critical minerals.
Trump's Frustration and Urgency for US-Ukraine Minerals Deal, Says Advisor
Trump's Frustration and Urgency for US-Ukraine Minerals Deal, Says Advisor
Zelensky's rejection of US access to critical minerals has led to strained relations amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is under pressure to revisit negotiations regarding access to Ukraine's critical minerals, according to Mike Waltz, the US national security adviser. The comments come in light of Zelensky's rejection of US demands for a share of Ukraine's rare earth minerals, a proposal that Donald Trump claimed would reflect US aid to Ukraine during its conflict with Russia.
During a press briefing on Thursday, Waltz expressed the White House's "frustration" with Zelensky, especially following "unacceptable" remarks directed at Trump. Ukraine possesses significant reserves of critical minerals, including lithium and titanium, and substantial deposits of coal, oil, gas, and uranium, which could amount to billions of dollars.
On Thursday, Waltz articulated that access to these rare minerals could be framed as a form of compensation for the aid provided by the US, highlighting it as a unique opportunity for Ukraine. However, Zelensky firmly rejected the notion, stating, “I can’t sell our state."
The remarks from Waltz came just after Zelensky met with Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy to Ukraine, in Kyiv. Zelensky described the meeting as fruitful but it appeared filled with political awkwardness, especially with the cancellation of a planned news conference. Sources revealed there was a perception of Kellogg being sidelined by the White House, raising concerns within Kyiv, which is heavily reliant on the envoy's communication with Washington.
In a post on social media, Zelensky noted that he and Kellogg engaged in a thorough discussion regarding the current battlefield dynamics, the return of prisoners of war, and potential security assurances. He emphasized Ukraine's readiness for a robust investment and security partnership with the US.
Throughout the day, Zelensky communicated with leaders from Canada, Finland, Norway, and South Africa, reiterating his stance: “Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine.” He has faced criticism from Trump, who called him a "dictator without elections" and placed blame for Russia's invasion on Ukraine. These remarks were compounded by reports of the US refusing to recognize a UN resolution designating Moscow as the aggressor, further complicating Ukraine's situation.
Zelensky's absence from recent high-level talks in Saudi Arabia between US and Russian officials highlighted growing concerns about a potential resolution without Ukraine's involvement. The conflict, which has persisted since Russia's full-scale invasion three years ago, has forced Zelensky to navigate a challenging diplomatic landscape. Meanwhile, Trump’s administration appears to prioritize direct negotiations with Russia, raising alarms in Kyiv as Ukraine remains outside the crucial discussions.
As tensions continue, the US insists that "nothing is off the negotiating table," yet Ukraine finds itself sidelined in a discussion that profoundly impacts its sovereignty and future.
