Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has refused an offer from the Trump administration that would have granted the United States access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth in return for military aid. The decision comes despite years of American financial and military support.
Vice President JD Vance introduced the agreement at the Munich Security Conference, proposing that Ukraine provide the US with critical resources like lithium and graphite, which are essential for defense and technology industries. The deal was meant to ensure that continued aid to Ukraine also provided strategic benefits to the US.
Zelenskyy refused to sign off on the proposal, arguing that it did not provide adequate security assurances for Ukraine. He stated that any agreement involving Ukraine’s resources must be tied to long-term protection against Russian aggression.
White House officials expressed disappointment in Zelenskyy’s rejection, with National Security Council Spokesman Brian Hughes calling it a short-sighted move. Trump administration officials have been clear that future aid to Ukraine will not come without conditions.
While rejecting the deal, Zelenskyy claimed that Russia is preparing to launch a war against NATO and suggested that Poland and Lithuania could be targeted. He warned that any reduction in US military presence in Europe could embolden Moscow.
Ukraine is now working on a counterproposal to present to the US, but with the Trump administration demanding accountability for continued aid, Zelenskyy may find fewer allies in Washington willing to write blank checks.
