Ukraine eager for minerals deal, Trump seeks better terms
According to CBS News, Ukrainian officials are letting Americans know they are eager to sign a minerals agreement. Meanwhile, leading officials from the Trump administration are holding out for a "better" deal.
The minerals agreement, or at least a preliminary version of it, was supposed to be signed at the White House on Friday. However, a disagreement between Donald Trump, J.D. Vance, and Volodymyr Zelensky led to the Ukrainian president being asked to leave.
While the agreement fell through at that time, Ukrainians remain interested in moving forward. During a speech in Congress, Donald Trump mentioned receiving an "important letter" from Volodymyr Zelensky, where he expressed a willingness to negotiate peace.
"Regarding the agreement on minerals and security, Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time that is convenient for you," Zelensky wrote, a quote shared by Trump.
Ukrainians want to sign
According to CBS News, Ukrainian officials have indicated to their American counterparts that they are ready to sign a key agreement.
For now, however, Americans are approaching the matter cautiously. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent was asked by CBS if the minerals agreement is still on the table. "Not at the moment," he replied.
According to CBS News sources, the details of the agreement may change, as President Donald Trump is waiting for a "better, broader" agreement.
The current version did not include security guarantees. However, it would allow Americans to access profits from the country's natural resources. Half of these funds would go to Ukraine's reconstruction fund.
