Zelensky Resists U.S. Minerals Deal Amid Growing Tensions

KYIV, Ukraine, Feb 22, 2025 (BSS/AFP) – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not prepared to sign a deal granting the United States preferential access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, a Ukrainian source told AFP on Saturday.

The proposed agreement, backed by U.S. President Donald Trump, is intended as compensation for the billions of dollars in aid provided to Ukraine under former President Joe Biden. However, Kyiv remains resistant, citing concerns over vague commitments and excessive demands.

Ukraine Pushes Back on U.S. Demands

Trump’s national security adviser Mike Waltz predicted on Friday that Zelensky would sign the deal soon, though the specific terms have not been publicly disclosed.

“In its current form, the president is not ready to accept it,” the Ukrainian source said. “We are still working on modifications to make it more constructive.”

According to the source, Ukraine has proposed changes to the deal, arguing that it lacks clear U.S. commitments on security guarantees and investments.

“There are no binding U.S. obligations in the agreement—everything is vague—yet they want to extract $500 billion from us,” the source stated. “What kind of partnership is this? And why should Ukraine hand over $500 billion worth of resources with no clear returns?”

Security Guarantees a Key Issue

Ukraine has insisted that any resource-sharing deal must include security guarantees, particularly as it continues to battle Russia’s ongoing invasion. The standoff over the deal comes at a time of escalating tensions between Kyiv and Washington.

Trump recently referred to Zelensky as a “dictator” in a social media post, further straining relations between the two leaders.

With negotiations ongoing, Ukraine remains firm in its stance—seeking assurances that any agreement will serve its long-term security and economic interests rather than just repaying past aid.