In a significant diplomatic encounter in Munich, talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Vice President JD Vance concluded without finalizing a pivotal minerals agreement, a key component of Kyiv’s strategy to secure support from President Donald Trump.
Ukraine returned to the table with a revised draft aimed at unlocking its vast reserves of critical minerals for US investment, following concerns regarding a version presented earlier by the US. Zelensky characterized the meeting as productive, expressing optimism on X, stating that the teams would continue refining the agreement while emphasizing Ukraine’s readiness to pursue a “real and guaranteed peace.”
While specifics of the sticking points remain unclear, two members of the Ukrainian delegation indicated that “some details” still required attention. Central to Ukraine’s negotiations is the demand for robust security assurances from both Europe and the United States, aimed at safeguarding the nation against future Russian aggression if peace is achieved.
In a recent interview, Zelensky outlined the contours of the proposed deal, showcasing a map of the country’s mineral wealth, which includes rare earth elements, titanium, uranium, and lithium. He stressed that Ukraine seeks a mutually beneficial partnership rather than simply relinquishing its resources.
Trump has previously indicated a desire for $500 billion in rare earth minerals from Ukraine, underscoring that US support needs to be firmly established. When asked earlier about the likelihood of a deal being agreed upon on Friday, Vance remained noncommittal, stating, “Let’s see.”
The negotiations follow the presentation of a draft accord by the US, delivered to Kyiv by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent just days prior. As both nations continue discussions, the path to a finalized agreement remains closely watched, with implications that could reshape the strategic landscape in the region.
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