White House Pressures Zelensky to Strike Deal on Ukraine’s Rare Minerals- Ekohotblog

White House urges Zelensky to negotiate U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals.
Zelensky rejects mineral deal, saying, “I can’t sell our state.”
U.S.-Ukraine tensions rise amid stalled negotiations and security talks.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky must return to negotiations and strike a deal on U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, White House national security adviser Mike Waltz has said.

On Wednesday, Zelensky rejected U.S. demands for a share of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals—a proposal former President Donald Trump said should reflect the level of American aid provided during Ukraine’s war with Russia.

Waltz’s remarks, delivered at a White House briefing on Thursday, overshadowed a high-profile meeting in Kyiv between Zelensky and U.S. chief envoy to Ukraine, Keith Kellogg. The national security adviser also expressed the White House’s frustration, criticising Zelensky for what he called “unacceptable” remarks about President Trump earlier in the week.

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Ukraine possesses vast deposits of critical elements, including lithium and titanium, as well as extensive coal, gas, oil, and uranium reserves—resources valued in the billions. Waltz suggested that granting the U.S. access to these minerals could be part of a future aid package or even serve as repayment for past American military and financial support.

“We presented the Ukrainians with an incredible, historic opportunity,” Waltz said, calling the proposal “sustainable” and “the best security guarantee Ukraine could hope for.” However, Zelensky flatly refused the offer, stating, “I can’t sell our state.”

Waltz’s comments came just as Zelensky wrapped up his meeting with Kellogg in Kyiv. The Ukrainian leader later announced his willingness to negotiate an “investment and security agreement” with the U.S. as a step toward ending the war. While Zelensky described the talks as “productive,” they played out in an atmosphere of political tension.

Kellogg’s visit to Kyiv coincided with continued direct engagement between Trump’s team and Moscow, and his reluctance to address the press raised speculation. A planned news conference was abruptly cancelled at the last minute, reportedly at Washington’s request. Ukrainian officials suggested Kellogg had been “sidelined” by the White House.

The meeting held significant importance for Kyiv, as Zelensky’s administration relies on Kellogg to communicate Ukraine’s urgent needs to Washington. After their discussions, the Ukrainian president shared a post on X, stating they had a “detailed conversation” about the battlefield situation, the return of prisoners of war, and securing effective security guarantees.

“Ukraine is ready for a strong, effective investment and security agreement with the president of the United States,” Zelensky added.