Kyiv and Washington Continue Negotiations on a Strategic Ukrainian Minerals Agreement
A Ukrainian official told Agence France-Presse on Friday that Kyiv and Washington are “continuing” negotiations to finalize an agreement on Ukraine’s strategic minerals after Kyiv rejected a U.S. proposal on the matter, sparking anger from President Donald Trump.
“This discussion is ongoing,” said the official, who requested anonymity. He added, “There is a constant exchange of drafts; we sent one yesterday… and we are awaiting a U.S. response.”
Earlier in February, Trump expressed his desire to reach an agreement with Ukraine, proposing that Ukraine’s rare minerals serve as a “guarantee” in exchange for U.S. aid.
Following this, the Trump administration opened direct communication lines with Russia and held a high-level meeting between the two countries in Saudi Arabia. The discussions covered various issues, including ways to resolve the war in Ukraine, which began with Russia’s invasion in early 2022.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected the U.S. proposal regarding Ukrainian minerals, arguing that it did not address the security guarantees his country has been seeking for three years in response to Russia’s invasion. However, he left the door open for potential U.S. “investments” in this sector.
On Wednesday, Zelensky emphasized that he is defending Ukraine, stating, “I cannot sell my country. That’s all there is to it.”
He pointed out that the U.S. proposal “does not protect” Ukraine, while Kyiv insists that any agreement to end the war must include “security guarantees” to prevent another Russian invasion.
There are concerns that the growing rapprochement between Moscow and Washington could lead to a rift between the U.S. and Kyiv, which has heavily relied on American military and economic aid since the war began nearly three years ago.
In recent days, Trump and Zelensky have exchanged unprecedented public and personal criticisms following the U.S.-Russia meeting in the Saudi capital.
