White House National Security adviser Mike Waltz speaks to members of the media from the briefing room at the White House in Washington, D.C., U.S., February 20, 2025. REUTERS/Leah Millis
U.S. and Ukraine Engage in Talks Over Mineral Agreement Amid Ongoing Tensions
Discussions on U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Agreement
White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz stated on Friday that he anticipates Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy will sign a minerals agreement with the United States as part of efforts to resolve the ongoing conflict with Russia. The announcement follows heightened tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Zelenskiy, with Washington pushing for a deal that would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth in exchange for wartime support.
- Andriy Yermak, Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, discussed “aligning positions” in bilateral relations during a call with Waltz.
- Trump, however, criticized Zelenskiy, calling him a “dictator” and asserting that Ukraine has “no cards to play” in negotiations.
- The shift in U.S. policy has caused unease among European allies, who fear Ukraine may be pressured into a peace agreement that favors Moscow.
Ukraine’s Position on U.S. Demands
Zelenskiy rejected U.S. demands for $500 billion in mineral wealth to compensate for American military and financial aid, stating that the actual support provided by Washington has been significantly lower and lacks binding security guarantees.
- Waltz expressed confidence that Zelenskiy would eventually sign the agreement, indicating that an announcement was expected in the near future.
- A Ukrainian government official later confirmed that discussions were ongoing, but no final agreement had been reached.
Trump’s Stance on Ukraine and Russia
During a White House event, Trump reiterated his skepticism towards Ukraine’s bargaining power, while refraining from making critical remarks about Russian President Vladimir Putin.
- “I’ve had very good talks with Putin, and I’ve had not such good talks with Ukraine,” Trump stated. “They don’t have any cards, but they’re playing tough.”
The German government responded by reaffirming that Ukraine must be included in all future peace negotiations, as emphasized in a phone call between Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Zelenskiy.
Poland’s Role in U.S.-Ukraine Relations
Polish President Andrzej Duda urged Zelenskiy to maintain constructive engagement with Trump despite recent tensions.
- “I suggested to President Zelenskiy to remain committed to the course of calm and constructive cooperation with Donald Trump,” Duda wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
- Duda, who has previously described himself as a close ally of Trump, is set to meet the U.S. president in Washington on Saturday.
- Following his call with Duda, Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of U.S. support for Ukraine and reiterated that “a strong and lasting peace can only be achieved through unity.”
Ongoing Diplomatic Uncertainty
While discussions continue between Kyiv and Washington, there remains significant uncertainty over the future of U.S.-Ukraine relations, the scope of American security guarantees, and how Ukraine’s mineral resources might factor into a broader settlement.
The outcome of these negotiations could have profound implications for Ukraine’s post-war economic sovereignty, its alignment with Western allies, and the broader geopolitical balance between the United States, Russia, and Europe.
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