Ukraine says in 'final stages' of talks on mineral deal with US
3 Min Read
Zelensky has stated that he hopes to receive real security guarantees from America in exchange for providing Washington access to crucial resources.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrives for talks with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Munich, Germany, on February 15, 2025. (AP)
Ukraine and the United States are finalizing terms of a deal that would grant Washington access to Ukrainian natural resources in exchange for US assistance, Kiev announced Monday.
Negotiations have sparked tensions, with US officials urging Ukraine to approve a contract despite Kiev's claims that earlier versions lacked critical security guarantees.
Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna wrote on X that negotiations "have been very constructive, with nearly all key details finalized."
Zelensky has stated that he hopes to receive real security guarantees from America in exchange for providing Washington access to crucial resources.
Donald Trump has requested that Ukraine provide access to rare minerals in exchange for the military help Kiev got under Joe Biden.
"We are committed to completing this swiftly to proceed with its signature," Stefanishyna added in her post, expressing hope that Trump and Zelensky will sign the agreement in Washington "to showcase our commitment for decades to come."
Willing to resign if it would bring peace, NATO membership: Zelensky
Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on Sunday he is willing to resign if it would help bring peace to Ukraine or secure the country's NATO membership.
"If for peace in Ukraine you really need me to step down, I am ready. I also can trade it for NATO, if offered such conditions right away," he said during a press conference broadcast.
Notably, The Economist reported earlier that US President Donald Trump wants to "get rid of" the Ukrainian president amid growing tensions between the two leaders.
This comes as Trump signals a shift in US policy on Ukraine, particularly after recent US-Russian talks in Riyadh that excluded Kiev.
Trump’s decision to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin and his apparent willingness to "rehabilitate the Kremlin" have caused shockwaves within Ukraine’s political circles, The Economist said, noting, "By now, few are truly surprised."
A former diplomat quoted by the magazine stated that Trump "appears to want to get rid of Zelensky," adding, "This is not about elections, it’s about getting rid of Zelensky."
Many Ukrainians are losing faith in their leader; a recent poll revealed that while Zelensky remains the country’s most popular politician, he would lose a future election by 30% to 65% to his former top general, Valery Zaluzhny. Public trust in Zelensky has also fallen to 52%, a sharp drop from the 90% approval he had at the war’s outset.
