Sat Feb 22 13:20:54 UTC 2025: ## Zelensky Rejects Trump’s Rare Earth Mineral Deal, Citing Vague US Obligations
**KYIV, Ukraine** – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to sign a deal granting the United States preferential access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, a source close to the matter told AFP. The proposed agreement, reportedly sought by former President Donald Trump as compensation for billions of dollars in US aid, is currently unacceptable in its current form, the source stated.
Trump’s national security advisor, Mike Waltz, had predicted Zelensky’s imminent signing of the deal. However, the Ukrainian government has voiced strong objections, citing the lack of concrete US commitments regarding investments or security guarantees in return for what the source described as an exorbitant demand of “$500 billion” from Ukraine.
The source emphasized the vagueness surrounding US obligations within the draft agreement, highlighting the imbalance in the proposed terms. Ukraine has submitted amendments seeking crucial security guarantees in exchange for access to its natural resources.
The rejection comes amidst escalating tensions between Zelensky and Trump, who recently labeled the Ukrainian president a “dictator” on social media. This latest dispute adds another layer of complexity to the already strained relationship between the two countries, highlighting the significant disagreements over the terms of accessing Ukraine’s vital mineral resources.
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