Intensifying pressure is mounting on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky as former U.S. President Donald Trump signals a potential shift in American support for Ukraine. Trump’s proposal to access 50% of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for military aid complicates negotiations. While Zelensky initially showed interest, he has since rejected the offer. Despite his hesitation, U.S. officials remain optimistic about reaching an agreement, emphasizing the potential benefits for both Ukraine and American taxpayers.
Increasing Pressure on Volodymyr Zelensky
The pressure on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is intensifying. Recently, former American President Donald Trump has been sending troubling signals about the U.S. stance on Ukraine, just days after discussions occurred in Saudi Arabia between the U.S. and Russia regarding the ongoing military conflict between Kyiv and Moscow. Since Joe Biden’s departure from the White House, the United States’ support for Ukraine seems to have weakened, with some asserting it has even drifted towards hostility. “I had very good discussions with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and I had discussions not as good with Ukraine,” Trump remarked on Friday, February 21. “They have no cards in hand, but they are playing hard.”
Negotiations Over Strategic Minerals
This situation is further complicated as Washington seeks to leverage its influence over Zelensky, particularly regarding the strategic minerals that are crucial for U.S. interests. In early February, Trump expressed his desire to negotiate an agreement that would grant the U.S. access to 50% of Ukraine’s rare earth resources in exchange for the military aid already provided. These minerals, vital for the production of various technologies, represent an estimated 5% of global reserves found in Ukraine, making them a valuable target for the United States amid competition with China, which holds the majority of these resources.
Negotiations continue as Zelensky initially showed openness to receiving investments from U.S. companies but has since turned down Trump’s initial proposal. A high-ranking Ukrainian official indicated that discussions are ongoing, stating, “There is a constant exchange of draft documents; we sent another one yesterday, and we are waiting for an American response.”
Despite this, the White House remains optimistic about a favorable outcome. Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security advisor, confidently asserted, “Listen, here is the essence: President Zelensky will sign this agreement, and you will see it in the very short term, and it is good for Ukraine.” He further claimed that under Trump’s leadership, this conflict would conclude promptly, describing the talks with Russia as “common sense diplomacy.”
Waltz also noted that Trump has been “very frustrated” by Zelensky’s hesitation to sign the agreement. Earlier in the month, Secretary of State Marco Rubio highlighted that the proposed minerals deal could benefit American citizens, a sentiment echoed frequently in Trump’s speeches. “Part of this money will be used to reimburse the American taxpayer for the billions of dollars that have been spent in this country,” Rubio estimated, while maintaining that the U.S. has a vested interest in Ukraine’s long-term independence.