Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed reluctance to finalize a proposed minerals trade agreement with the United States, citing several unresolved issues. The deal, which U.S. President Donald Trump claimed was nearing completion, would involve Ukraine exchanging its natural resources for U.S. military support. However, sources close to the Ukrainian administration indicate that the agreement, in its current form, does not reflect a balanced partnership.
Concerns Over the Agreement
A senior Ukrainian official, speaking to Sky News, revealed that Zelenskyy is not prepared to sign the agreement due to concerns over its terms.
“The agreement is not yet ready to be signed. There are a number of problematic issues, and in its current draft, the president is not ready to accept it,” the source stated. “The existing drafts do not establish a partnership; they contain only unilateral commitments from Ukraine.”
The concerns stem from Ukraine’s need for fair and mutually beneficial agreements, particularly as the nation remains at the center of geopolitical tensions with Russia. Reports suggest that U.S. officials may have pressured Ukraine to move forward with the deal, allegedly hinting at potential restrictions on access to Elon Musk’s Starlink satellite internet system should Kyiv refuse to sign.
U.S. Officials Confident the Deal Will Proceed
Despite Zelenskyy’s reservations, U.S. officials, including National Security Adviser Mike Waltz, remain confident that the agreement will be finalized soon. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Waltz asserted that the deal is on track for approval.
“Here’s the bottom line: President Zelenskyy is going to sign that deal, and you will see that in the very short term,” Waltz stated.
However, Ukrainian officials insist that any agreement must be in their country’s best interest, particularly given the ongoing war and the economic implications of such a trade arrangement.
Trump’s Stance on Ukraine’s Role in Peace Talks
Meanwhile, Trump has continued to criticize Zelenskyy’s approach to diplomatic negotiations, particularly regarding Ukraine’s role in brokering peace with Russia. Speaking at a recent event, Trump reiterated his view that Zelenskyy holds weak negotiating power in discussions about the war’s resolution.
“I’ve been watching for years, and I’ve been watching him negotiate with no cards,” Trump told Fox News. “He has no cards. And you get sick of it. You just get sick of it. And I’ve had it.”
Trump’s remarks highlight his broader skepticism regarding Ukraine’s ability to leverage negotiations with Russia. He also suggested that European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, have failed to take sufficient action to end the conflict.
Speculation on Trump-Putin Meeting Dismissed
Recent reports claimed that Trump was planning to visit Moscow and meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the upcoming Victory Day celebrations in May. However, both Trump and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov have denied these allegations.
“There are no discussions or agreements regarding a visit,” Peskov stated in response to the speculation.
Trump’s denial aligns with his ongoing assertions that diplomatic solutions should be pursued, but that Ukraine’s leadership plays a minimal role in shaping the outcome.
The Bigger Picture
Zelenskyy’s hesitancy to sign the mineral deal reflects Ukraine’s broader struggle to maintain sovereignty while securing international support. As tensions between Kyiv and Washington fluctuate, the future of the agreement remains uncertain.
For further updates on this developing story, visit Daljoog News.