Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is resisting heavy pressure from top U.S. officials to agree to a resource-sharing deal that he says does not align with Ukraine’s interests. The proposed terms, pushed by U.S. President Donald Trump, include granting access to Ukraine’s rare-earth minerals valued at $500 billion as “equalization” for U.S. support during Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia.
Last week, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent met with Zelenskyy in Kyiv to negotiate the deal, but Zelenskyy rejected the offer, citing unfavorable terms and the absence of security guarantees. Despite the refusal, National Security Adviser Mike Waltz urged Ukraine to return to negotiations, criticizing Kyiv’s response as unconstructive.
On Thursday, Zelenskyy met with Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Ukraine and Russia. However, a planned press conference was canceled at the request of U.S. officials. Zelenskyy later expressed gratitude for U.S. assistance in a social media post but did not reference a rumored revised minerals proposal from Washington.
Since Trump assumed office, the U.S. position on Ukraine has shifted significantly. The administration has begun talks with Russia to end the war without Ukraine’s involvement, sparking concern among allies and accusations of appeasement toward Moscow. Trump has also criticized Zelenskyy, calling him a “dictator without elections,” while Zelenskyy accused Trump of living in a “Russian-made disinformation space.”
Criticism of Zelenskyy’s approach has emerged, with some Ukrainian lawmakers cautioning against publicly antagonizing Trump, given the importance of continued U.S. support. Meanwhile, global leaders such as French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have defended Zelenskyy and emphasized the need for Ukraine’s inclusion in any peace negotiations.
Source: Swifteradio.com
