Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated at the Munich Security Conference that he had rejected a deal with the United States regarding Ukrainian minerals, claiming the agreement did not adequately protect his country at this stage.
“I did not authorize ministers to sign the agreement because it is not ready. In my opinion, it does not protect us,” Zelensky explained, adding that such a deal “must include security guarantees for Ukraine.” He further stated that he did not see a connection between the minerals and security in the current draft of the document.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio had expressed hopes earlier in the week that an agreement on Ukrainian minerals would help offset the cost of U.S. financial aid to Ukraine in its war against Russia. Rubio emphasized that part of the funds would go towards repaying U.S. taxpayers for the billions spent in Ukraine, while the remainder would aid in rebuilding the country.
Trump, who has consistently criticized U.S. assistance to Ukraine since the Russian invasion, recently called for a deal giving the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources as a condition for continued support. Ukraine is rich in critical minerals such as lithium and titanium, essential for advanced technologies.
