Trump adviser urges Ukraine to “tone it down” and agree to minerals deal
20 February 20:29
US National Security Advisor Mike Volz said that Kyiv needs to “tone it down” and sign the minerals agreement that President Volodymyr Zelenskyy refused to sign.
He said this on Fox News, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
According to him, the US White House is disappointed that Ukraine has not signed the agreement, which “provides a truly unique historical opportunity to have the United States as a co-investor in the Ukrainian economy, resources, and as a partner.”
Volz says this would be “the best security guarantee that they [Ukrainians] want.”
“Given what America has done for Ukraine, they need to tone it down, take a good look, and sign this agreement,” Volz said.
The official emphasized that the United States has done a lot for Ukraine’s security and now wants to “change the nature of the aid.” In his opinion, this cannot offend anyone.
“The president is ready to bring this war to an end,” he emphasized.
It should be noted that US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent believes that the President of Ukraine prevented the implementation of US President Donald Trump’s “exquisite plan” by not signing the agreement on Ukrainian subsoil.
As a reminder, Donald Trump announced that he wanted to conclude a deal with Kyiv under which Ukraine would supply the United States with rare earth minerals needed for electronics in exchange for American aid.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy assured that Ukraine is open to American investment. He noted that he had discussed such a deal with Trump in September 2024, and then included it in his Victory Plan as one of the points.
According to media reports, the United States wanted to get the right to 50% of Ukraine’s mineral reserves.
However, Zelenskyy did not sign the agreement, explaining that the document did not meet Ukrainian interests. In particular, it did not contain security guarantees and was “too focused on US interests.” The White House called Zelenskyy’s refusal “short-sighted.”
