In a significant development following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s recent visit to the White House, the United States and Ukraine are reportedly close to reaching an agreement on a mineral deal. This deal is seen as a crucial step in securing continued American support in Ukraine’s ongoing war against Russia.
Negotiations and Proposal
During the discussions, President Donald Trump proposed that Ukraine grant the U.S. ownership of half of its mineral resources in exchange for continued military and economic assistance. This proposal, initially rejected by President Zelenskyy, has now gained traction, with both countries nearing an agreement.
According to a report by The New York Times, Trump stated that the deal would bring billions of dollars to the U.S. and help secure Ukraine’s future. “We are close to an agreement,” Trump said. “This deal will bring $500 billion to America. It will be finalized soon.”
Resistance and Diplomatic Efforts
The proposal initially faced resistance from Zelenskyy, who consulted with European allies before responding. During the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy expressed concerns about accepting the proposal without guarantees for Kyiv’s security. However, pressure from European leaders and the potential benefits of the deal have led to a change in stance.
Trump’s Treasury Secretary, Scott Besant, presented the proposal during a visit to Kyiv, where Zelenskyy indicated he would discuss it with European allies before making a decision. The deal’s draft is currently being finalized, with hopes that it will reduce tensions between the two countries.
“This agreement will strengthen the relationship between our nations. The draft must be carefully crafted to ensure it works effectively,” Zelenskyy stated.
Controversy and Strategic Importance
The mineral deal has sparked controversy, with Trump accusing Zelenskyy of starting the war and European leaders expressing concerns about the U.S. potentially siding with Russia. Despite these challenges, the deal is seen as a strategic move to secure rare minerals essential for modern technology, which are currently supplied mainly by China.
As the negotiations continue, the world watches closely to see how this agreement will impact the ongoing conflict and the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations.
With inputs from The New York Times and Anadolu Agency.
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