Trump Expresses Discontent as Zelensky Refuses US Minerals Proposal, Notes National Security Adviser
Mike Waltz, the national security adviser to the White House, has urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to re-enter negotiations concerning the United States' access to Ukraine's vital minerals. Zelensky, on Wednesday, declined American propositions for a portion of Ukraine's rare earth minerals, a proposal Trump suggested would demonstrate gratitude for the US aid given to Ukraine during its conflict with Russia.
Waltz's statements, which were delivered during a White House press conference on Thursday, overshadowed a session held in Kyiv between Zelensky and Keith Kellogg, the US's top envoy to Ukraine. According to Waltz, the White House is highly discontent with Zelensky's insulting remarks directed at US President Donald Trump earlier in the week.
Ukraine possesses significant reserves of essential minerals and elements, including lithium and titanium, alongside substantial deposits of coal, gas, oil, and uranium, the total worth of which runs into billions of dollars. Waltz proposed earlier that access to these Ukrainian minerals could be bartered in exchange for aid or as recompense for previous support already extended by the US.
The adviser deemed the proposal an extraordinary and historical opportunity for Ukraine, stating it would offer the best guarantee of long-term security for the country. However, Zelensky declined the proposal, stating his inability to "sell our state".
These remarks were made during the White House briefing soon after the conclusion of Zelensky's discussion with Kellogg in Kyiv. Following the meeting, Zelensky announced his willingness to establish an "investment and security agreement" with the US to resolve the Ukrainian conflict. Despite the claim of a "productive" meeting by Zelensky, it was marred by political awkwardness.
While senior Trump administration members maintained direct contact with Moscow, Kellogg declared his presence in Kyiv was to "listen". However, it soon became clear he would not be speaking publicly, as a press conference was abruptly cancelled. It is understood that this decision came from the US, with Ukrainian sources alleging Kellogg had been marginalized by the White House.
Zelensky later indicated he had communicated with leaders from Canada, Finland, Norway, and South Africa. "Nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine," he stated.
Amidst mounting tensions between Trump and Zelensky, Trump referred to Zelensky as a "dictator without elections", blaming him for initiating Russia's invasion. Reports now suggest that the US is declining to acknowledge a UN resolution that identifies Moscow as the aggressor while affirming Ukraine's territorial sovereignty.
Earlier, Zelensky was left out of discussions between senior Russian and American officials in Saudi Arabia about potentially ending the conflict. The conflict originated from Russia's comprehensive invasion of Ukraine three years ago, following its earlier annexation of Ukrainian territory.
Trump, a month into his presidency, believes that US involvement in the war is not beneficial to America's interests and, in a significant shift from earlier US foreign policy, has decided to negotiate directly with Russia to promptly resolve the conflict.
Trump's accusations that Zelensky instigated the war with Russia led to a retort from Zelensky, describing Trump as inhabiting a misinformation zone manipulated by Moscow. Trump retaliated with his "dictator" comment, alleging Zelensky's popularity among Ukrainian voters was low.
Looking ahead, Ukraine is concerned about the prospect of ongoing Russia-US dialogues without Ukraine's direct participation. "Nothing is off the negotiating table," US Vice-President JD Vance declared, casting uncertainty over Ukraine's position in these negotiations.