Zelensky Hesitates to Sign Trump’s Controversial Minerals Deal Amid Rising Tensions
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly declined to sign a contentious minerals agreement with former U.S. President Donald Trump, a deal that could potentially grant the United States access to billions of dollars’ worth of critical resources. According to sources close to the negotiations, the draft agreement contains several unresolved issues that have left Zelensky hesitant to move forward. The Ukrainian leader has expressed concerns that the current terms lack a balanced partnership, instead imposing one-sided obligations on Ukraine.
In a recent video address, Zelensky acknowledged that American and Ukrainian negotiators are actively working on the draft, hinting that a resolution might be near. He emphasized the importance of refining the details to ensure the agreement strengthens bilateral relations and delivers a fair outcome for both nations. However, the specifics of the deal remain unclear, with Trump reportedly pushing for access to $500 billion worth of minerals in exchange for continued military support to Ukraine.
Tensions between the two leaders have been escalating, with Trump reportedly threatening to cut off U.S. funding and even Ukraine’s access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet service if the deal falls through. Starlink has been a critical tool for both civilian and military operations in Ukraine, and losing it would be a significant blow to the war-torn nation. Sources close to the negotiations revealed that American officials warned Ukraine of an imminent shutdown of the service unless they agreed to the terms of the minerals deal.
The negotiations have been further complicated by personal clashes between Zelensky and Trump’s team. Trump has accused Zelensky of being disrespectful during meetings, while a senior White House official criticized the Ukrainian president for what they described as overly dramatic behavior. Despite these tensions, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, has played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the two sides. Kellogg’s recent visit to Kyiv reportedly helped restore hope for a mutually beneficial agreement, with Zelensky expressing optimism about the ongoing discussions.
Ukraine is home to some of Europe’s largest reserves of titanium, lithium, and rare earth minerals, resources that are increasingly vital for industries such as defense, clean energy, and electric vehicle production. These minerals are particularly valuable to the U.S. as it seeks to reduce its reliance on China, which currently dominates the global supply. While Zelensky has expressed openness to a partnership that includes joint investments and security guarantees, he has firmly rejected any deal that undermines Ukraine’s sovereignty or exploits its resources without fair compensation. As negotiations continue, the outcome of this high-stakes standoff remains uncertain.