Ukrainian President Zelensky Faces Pressure from US Amid Tensions with Trump Over Mineral Deal

TDT | Manama

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is facing mounting pressure from the United States to sign a controversial deal that would grant US companies preferential access to Ukraine’s mineral deposits. The demand has escalated following scathing remarks from former President Donald Trump, who has called for Ukraine to compensate the US for the billions of dollars in aid provided under President Joe Biden's administration.

Trump's administration has pushed for Ukraine to open its natural resources to American companies in exchange for the aid delivered during the ongoing conflict with Russia. However, Ukraine is demanding significant security guarantees from the US before agreeing to such a deal, citing the immense value of its critical minerals and the need for protection amid the war with Russia.

Mike Waltz, Trump’s national security adviser, predicted on Friday that Zelensky would ultimately sign the deal in the near future. "Look, here's the bottom line, President Zelensky is going to sign that deal, and you will see that in the very short term, and that is good for Ukraine," Waltz stated at a conference outside Washington.

The tensions between Zelensky and Trump have intensified in recent days. Trump referred to Zelensky as a "dictator" and falsely claimed that Ukraine had instigated the war with Russia. These remarks have stunned Kyiv and European capitals alike, underscoring the rapidly shifting dynamics in Washington’s long-standing support for Ukraine as Trump initiates talks with Moscow to seek a resolution to the conflict.

Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the United States has been Ukraine’s primary financial, military, and political ally. The war, widely condemned by Western powers as an unprovoked and illegal act of aggression by Russia, has led to significant international support for Kyiv. However, Trump’s stance has raised concerns in Europe and among Ukrainian officials.

A senior Ukrainian official revealed to AFP that despite the diplomatic tensions with Trump, talks regarding the potential agreement were ongoing. "There is a constant exchange of drafts, we sent another one yesterday," the source said, adding that Ukraine was waiting for a response from the United States. Ukraine had previously rejected an initial proposal by Trump’s team, which did not include the necessary security guarantees.

In a broader context, Ukraine is pressing for NATO membership or the deployment of Western troops and advanced equipment as part of any ceasefire agreement with Russia. Zelensky emphasized earlier this week that he would not "sell" Ukraine in any deal with the United States.

The diplomatic standoff risks undermining Western support for Kyiv at a critical juncture, especially as the war enters its third year with Russia continuing its military advances. On Friday, Russia claimed to have captured two more villages in eastern Ukraine, signaling that the conflict is far from over.

Meanwhile, European leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron and the leaders of Finland and Denmark, have reiterated their support for Ukraine in recent calls with Zelensky. Macron is scheduled to travel to Washington next week, where he will urge Trump to take a firmer stance against Russian President Vladimir Putin, emphasizing the need for a united front in dealing with the Kremlin.

In the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer is also set to meet with Trump to discuss Europe’s response to the conflict. As the geopolitical tension continues to rise, Europe’s leadership is focused on ensuring that a unified approach remains intact despite the growing rift between Trump and Zelensky.

The situation has also seen involvement from tech mogul Elon Musk, a known Trump supporter, who weighed in on the discourse, claiming that Ukrainians “despised” their president. Musk's comments, along with criticism from Trump’s advisers, including Waltz, have added fuel to the fire, with the White House briefing indicating heightened tensions between Washington and Kyiv.

Zelensky has fired back at Trump, accusing him of falling prey to Russian "disinformation," particularly in his repeated dissemination of Kremlin-backed talking points regarding the war. Ukrainian President’s Chief of Staff, Andriy Yermak, expressed the importance of preserving US-Ukraine cooperation in a call with Waltz, highlighting the need for high-level relations to remain intact.

As this diplomatic showdown unfolds, the future of US-Ukraine relations, particularly in terms of military and economic support, remains uncertain, with the potential for significant implications on the outcome of the ongoing war with Russia.