Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has made it clear that he is pushing back against US demands for Ukraine's critical minerals and other natural resources as part of negotiations to end the ongoing war. The issue arose when former US President Donald Trump proposed a draft 'deal' that included a demand for a $500 billion share of Ukraine's deposits of rare earths and other minerals, citing the aid provided by the US during the conflict with Russia.
Zelensky firmly stated his refusal to accept the proposed $500 billion, emphasizing that leveraging Ukraine's resources to repay such a sum would burden future generations for centuries. He expressed his unwillingness to sign any agreement that would place such a heavy financial burden on the Ukrainian people.
