KYIV: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has rejected a minerals deal with the United States, citing serious concerns over national security and economic implications. This decision, making latest news headlines, has further strained diplomatic ties between Kyiv and Washington.
Since taking office, US President Donald Trump has taken an unconventional approach to foreign policy, engaging in direct talks with Russia while pressuring Ukraine to surrender its rare minerals as compensation for wartime aid under Joe Biden’s administration.
Although Trump’s national security team suggested that Zelensky was close to signing the agreement, key details remain undisclosed. However, Ukrainian sources confirm that Zelensky refuses to accept any deal that threatens Ukraine’s sovereignty or economic stability.
“In its current form, the president is not prepared to proceed with the agreement. We are working on revisions to ensure a more constructive outcome,” an insider familiar with the situation told news updates outlets.
US Proposal Omits Mention of Russian-Occupied Territory
Ukraine has demanded that any agreement with Washington include security guarantees, but diplomatic tensions between Trump and Zelensky continue to escalate, making headlines in latest news updates.
On Wednesday, Trump referred to Zelensky as a “dictator” and urged him to speed up negotiations to end the war—a statement that sparked backlash in Europe. His remark came just a day after Russian and US officials met in Saudi Arabia without Ukrainian representation.
On Friday, Washington submitted a United Nations resolution on the Ukraine conflict, which notably excluded references to Ukrainian land occupied by Russia, a move that has drawn international scrutiny.
Ukraine Questions US Demand for $500 Billion in Compensation
Trump has demanded that Ukraine provide $500 billion worth of rare earth minerals as repayment for past US aid—a sum far exceeding official figures.
“There are no clear commitments from the US regarding security guarantees or economic investment. Instead, they expect us to provide $500 billion worth of resources,” a senior Ukrainian official stated in an interview with multiple news updates platforms.
“What kind of partnership is this? And why should we comply with such an unreasonable demand? There is no justification,” the official added, confirming that Ukraine has requested revisions to the proposed deal.
According to official US figures, Washington has provided over $60 billion in military aid to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion—the highest among Ukraine’s allies but significantly lower than the figure Trump claims. The Kiel Institute, a German research organization, reported that from 2022 to 2024, the US gave Ukraine 114.2 billion euros ($119.8 billion) in total financial, humanitarian, and military assistance.
UK Reaffirms Support for Ukraine Amid Uncertainty
Despite the rising diplomatic tensions, Ukrainian officials confirmed that negotiations with the United States are ongoing. Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, recently visited Kyiv and described Zelensky as “courageous.”
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to endure daily Russian attacks, with its forces losing strategic ground. On Saturday, Russia’s Defense Ministry announced the capture of Novolyubivka, a key settlement in Lugansk, further intensifying war-related concerns in the latest news updates.
As Ukraine nears the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, international allies remain engaged. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen discussed peace efforts during a Saturday call, with Starmer reaffirming the UK’s strong commitment to Ukraine’s defense and sovereignty.
This development continues to dominate latest news discussions, as global leaders assess strategies for lasting peace in Ukraine while navigating growing geopolitical challenges.
Source: Dawn
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