US demands more in minerals deal than Ukraine spent on defense - CNN
US President Donald Trump (photo: Getty Images)
The draft agreement between the United States and Ukraine on rare earth minerals and other natural resources is not one that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy would approve. The reason is that the United States is demanding more than Ukraine has spent on defense, CNN reports.
"It is a strange offer to try and take from a country that is a victim of war, more than it cost to pay for its defense," the source said.
CNN notes that the United States is trying to gain access to Ukraine's critical minerals and other resources as part of broader negotiations aimed at ending the war with Russia. Kyiv, on the other hand, insists on security guarantees and also seeks to defend itself against a possible future Russian invasion.
Yesterday, US President Donald Trump said that the US and Ukraine are "pretty close" to a deal. According to CNN sources, negotiations between the two sides have been intense and ongoing, and progress was made on Friday.
Less than a day ago, The Wall Street Journal reported that a subsoil use agreement between Ukraine and the United States may be signed as early as today, Saturday. Citing sources, the media outlet reported that the negotiations are nearing completion.
