Vladislav Grigoriev13:58, 20.02.25
The Trump administration is outraged that Zelensky refused to sign the agreement.
On the day when US President Donald Trump spoke on the phone with Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrived in Kyiv. He presented Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky with a document that would give the US ownership of half of Ukraine’s mineral resources . Moreover, the head of our country was given limited time to read the document and sign it.
Five American officials and another person familiar with the discussions told NBC News this .
It is noted that Zelensky demanded that Bessent give him time to study the document in detail. In response, the US Treasury Secretary said that he had one hour to sign the agreement or the upcoming meetings with US Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio would be canceled.
Bessent explained to Zelensky that the rare earths agreement with the Trump administration was a critical component of building a strategic partnership between the United States and Ukraine, the sources said. He assured the Ukrainian president that it would help guarantee security for Kyiv after the war.
The publication recalled that Zelensky refused to sign this document. American officials told journalists that because of this, the Ukrainian president’s team was told that meetings with Vance and Rubio were being postponed, but later they still took place.
Bessent also said in a later interview with Fox News that he believed Zelensky would eventually sign a minerals deal with the U.S., arguing that this would deter future Russian aggression after the war.
One US official explained that Bessent’s proposal was a hint that “Ukraine’s ability to defend itself has so far been largely provided by American taxpayers.”
“This proposal is aimed at recouping some of those costs and recognizing that when peace comes, Ukraine will have the potential to strengthen its economic position through partnership with the United States,” he said.
(C)UNIAN 2025
Load of BS. “Sign my extortion deal without any security guarantees, or I will have a tantrum.” DJT.
On the subject of mineral resources.
One of the most alarming revelations is Russia’s near-total dependence on imports for key industrial metals. The country lacks sufficient domestic reserves of manganese, chromium, lithium, cobalt, and copper—essential components for modern technology, defense, and infrastructure.
The leaked strategy documents underscore the extent of Russia’s vulnerability in the global resource market. The country’s declining self-sufficiency in essential minerals threatens its economic and strategic stability. As it grapples with a shrinking resource base and rising import dependence, Russia may face increasing difficulties in maintaining its industrial and military capabilities without significant foreign reliance.
Good catch and thanks for sharing Slimpan.