Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, during a meeting in Munich with American officials, declined to sign an agreement that would grant the U.S. rights to 50 percent of Ukraine's mineral reserves. This was reported by The Washington Post, as conveyed by Tengrinews.kz, referencing UNIAN.
"Several lawmakers here in Munich told me that the U.S. Congressional delegation presented Zelensky with a piece of paper they wanted him to sign, which would grant the U.S. rights to 50 percent of Ukraine's future mineral reserves. Zelensky politely declined to sign it," reported journalist Josh Rogin on social media platform X.
Multiple lawmakers here in Munich told me the U.S. Congressional delegation presented Zelensky with a piece of paper they wanted him to sign which would grant the U.S. rights to 50% of Ukraine’s future mineral reserves. Zelensky politely declined to sign it. #MSC2025
— Josh Rogin (@joshrogin) February 14, 2025
Sources from Reuters also indicated that Zelensky expressed concerns regarding the agreement prepared by the U.S. during a meeting with a group of American senators in Munich.
"Zelensky felt that he was being asked to sign something he had not had the opportunity to review," said one of the agency's sources.
On February 14, Zelensky stated during the Munich Security Conference that he is "not ready to sign everything," but is open to discussing a potential mineral agreement between Ukraine and the U.S.
It is noted that Ukraine will make its proposal based on the Ukrainian Constitution. The Ukrainian side has not officially commented on this information.
Earlier, Donald Trump stated that the Ukrainian authorities should reimburse Washington for the funds invested in their support, which he estimated at 300-350 billion dollars. According to him, Ukraine could achieve this by granting the U.S. access to mineral and rare earth metal deposits.
The Republican estimated the deal's value at 500 billion dollars, indicating that in exchange for access to rare earth metals and gas, Washington would provide Kyiv with security guarantees in any potential peace settlement.
In turn, Zelensky noted that Ukraine does not intend to share its resources with the U.S. for free, but is open to a deal that would allow for joint exploration of minerals.
"Americans have helped more than anyone else, and therefore Americans should receive more than anyone else. They should have this priority, and they will get it," he said.
