U.S.-Ukraine minerals pact stalls as Trump seeks better terms
Ukrainian officials are informing Americans that they want to sign a minerals agreement, according to CBS News. Meanwhile, leading officials from the Trump administration are waiting for a "better" deal.
The minerals agreement, or at least its preliminary version, was supposed to be signed at the White House on Friday. However, a disagreement occurred between Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and Volodymyr Zelensky, resulting in the Ukrainian president being asked to leave.
The agreement fell through at that time, but Ukrainians continue to be interested in signing it. During a speech in Congress, Donald Trump stated that he received an "important letter" from Volodymyr Zelensky, in which he expressed a willingness to negotiate peace.
"Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you," Zelensky wrote. This quote was shared by Trump.
Ukrainians want to sign
According to CBS News, Ukrainian officials have indicated to their American counterparts that they are ready to sign a key agreement.
For now, however, Americans are approaching the issue cautiously. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was asked by CBS if the minerals agreement is still on the table. "Not at the moment," he replied.
According to CBS News sources, the details of the agreement may change, as President Donald Trump is waiting for a "better, broader" agreement.
The current version did not include security guarantees. However, Americans would have access to profits from the country's natural resources. Half of the funds would go to Ukraine's reconstruction fund.
