Importance Score: 75 / 100 🔴
Trump Warns Zelensky Over Critical Minerals Accord
Former President Donald Trump has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is attempting to “withdraw” from a vital minerals agreement with the United States, cautioning of “significant problems” if Kyiv proceeds. The deal, crucial for securing rare earth elements, is viewed by Washington as important. Trump’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions about U.S. aid to Ukraine and its potential membership in NATO.
Concerns Over Rare Earth Agreement
“He is endeavoring to retract from the rare earth agreement, and should he do so, he will encounter considerable issues, very significant issues,” Trump informed reporters on Sunday aboard Air Force One.
“He aspires to NATO membership, yet he will never attain NATO membership. He comprehends this,” Trump asserted.
White House Urges Ukraine to Finalize Deal
The U.S. administration has been pressing Kyiv to finalize the accord, which proposes Ukraine to share its substantial mineral resources with the United States. This agreement is seen by Trump as a form of reimbursement for the billions in assistance provided by the U.S. to Ukraine over the preceding three years.
Joint Statement on Agreement
Just last week, both nations released a joint declaration indicating their mutual agreement to conclude a comprehensive accord at the earliest opportunity. This announcement signaled a notable shift from a publicized disagreement between Trump and Zelensky in the Oval Office the previous month, an encounter that had cast doubt on the mineral deal.
Zelensky Seeks Legal Review
President Zelensky has indicated that Ukrainian legal experts need to examine the proposed agreement before he can further comment on the U.S. proposition.