It's Not a Serious Discussion, Zelensky Says

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky believes that the demand from Washington to return $500 billion worth of mineral resources is “not a serious discussion.” He made this statement in an interview with CNN Türk.

The Ukrainian leader noted that the U.S. has supplied Kyiv with $67 billion in weapons, while the budgetary support from Americans has amounted to $31.5 billion.

Additionally, Zelensky stated that he is seeking security guarantees from Washington in exchange for rare earth metals. Previously, the document proposed by the U.S., as mentioned by the Ukrainian president, did not contain any references to guarantees.

On February 15, Trump suggested that Ukraine enter into a deal whereby the U.S. would have access to 50% of rare earth resources. These metals include 17 elements such as scandium, yttrium, lanthanum, and others. In return, the U.S. promised security guarantees for Ukraine.