President Volodymyr Zelensky is reportedly considering withdrawing from a significant minerals agreement with the United States, U.S. President Donald Trump informed reporters aboard Air Force One on March 30.
Ukrainian officials are currently evaluating the most recent iteration of the minerals deal, which allegedly provides the U.S. with unprecedented oversight of Ukraine’s natural resources through a joint investment initiative.
Trump expressed to reporters his belief that Zelensky may no longer wish to proceed with the deal and cautioned that such a decision could have repercussions.
“He’s attempting to withdraw from the rare earth agreement, and if he does, he’ll face some significant issues, major problems,” Trump stated, as reported by Reuters.
“He desires NATO membership, but that will never happen. He understands that.”
Zelensky remarked on March 28 that he would not endorse a minerals agreement that conflicts with Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union.
“Any arrangement that could jeopardize Ukraine’s EU accession is unacceptable,” he declared.
Bloomberg noted on March 29 that Kyiv was seeking amendments to the existing proposal, including increased investment from the U.S. and clearer guidelines on the joint fund’s operations.
The Trump administration has promoted the minerals deal as a vital element of Ukraine’s journey towards peace, yet has failed to provide solid security assurances in return for extensive resource access. Kyiv and Washington were poised to finalize an earlier version of the agreement on February 28, but the negotiations collapsed after a contentious Oval Office confrontation involving Zelensky, Trump, and Vice President JD Vance.
The White House has described the minerals arrangement as a means for the U.S. to “recover” some of the financial support extended to Ukraine since Russia initiated its full-scale invasion.
Trump has also indicated his interest in negotiating a natural resources agreement with Russia. After a phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on March 18, Trump mentioned that the U.S. aimed to enhance trade with Moscow and gain access to “substantial sources of rare earth.”
Putin previously stated on February 24 that Russia is amenable to collaborating with international partners on the development of rare earth metals, including in regions of Ukraine under occupation.
Trump claims he’s ‘pissed off’ and ‘very angry’ with Putin in phone interview with NBC News
U.S. President Donald Trump is reported to be “pissed off” and “very angry” about Russian President Vladimir Putin’s fixation on President Volodymyr Zelensky, according to NBC News on March 30.
