In a bold move, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has firmly rejected a proposal from the United States demanding US$500 billion in rare earth minerals as a repayment for wartime aid. This exchange comes amidst ongoing discussions between US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin regarding the resolution of the three-year conflict in Ukraine.
Zelenskiy’s Stance on US Demands
Zelenskiy, under pressure from the Trump administration, responded to the exorbitant figure by noting that the US has only provided about US$67 billion in weapons and US$31.5 billion in budget support to Ukraine since the beginning of the war. “You can’t call this 500 billion and ask us to return 500 billion in minerals or something else. This is not a serious conversation,” he stated.
- The proposed agreement would grant the US ownership of 50% of Ukraine’s critical minerals.
- Zelenskiy insists on having security guarantees in any deal, which he feels are absent in the current proposal.
- He highlighted that the combined aid from the US and EU has totalled about US$200 billion, with Ukraine covering additional costs of around US$120 billion.
Putin’s Comments on Negotiations
Meanwhile, Putin has indicated that Ukraine would not be excluded from negotiations aimed at ending the conflict. He emphasised the need for increased trust between Moscow and Washington, which he deemed essential for resolving various issues, including the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
During recent talks in Saudi Arabia, Russia and the US agreed to form negotiating teams, which raised concerns among Ukrainian and European officials about potentially sidelining their interests. Putin reassured that Russia is open to discussions and claimed that it is not excluding Ukraine from these talks.
The Broader Context
The dynamics between the US, Russia, and Ukraine highlight the complex interplay of international relations and the dire need for security assurances in these negotiations. As both Trump and Putin pursue a path towards dialogue, whether Ukraine will be securely represented remains a significant question.
Observers are closely watching how these developments unfold, given the potential implications for global stability and security in the region.