Zelensky rejects the idea of Ukraine owing the USA for military aid amid mineral deal discussions. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has strongly denied claims that his country owes the United States any form of repayment for the financial and military assistance it has received throughout the ongoing war with Russia. The response comes after former U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that America should gain access to Ukraine’s critical minerals in exchange for the substantial aid it has provided.

U.S. Foreign Aid and Trump’s Stance

President Trump has estimated that the U.S. has supplied Ukraine with more than $350 billion in aid. In light of this, he has proposed that Ukraine compensate for this support by allowing American companies access to its rare earth minerals, essential for technology, defense, and energy industries.

However, Zelensky pushed back against the idea that U.S. assistance was ever meant to be a loan or investment requiring repayment. “I do not recognize [that Kyiv owes the U.S.] even $100 billion,” he stated in a press briefing. “We agreed with Biden that this was a grant. A grant is not a debt.”

Breakdown of U.S. Assistance

According to official figures, Congress has approved approximately $183 billion in aid for Ukraine under the Biden administration—far less than the amount Trump suggests. Of this, $70 billion has been allocated directly to military support, while an additional $6 billion has gone toward training programs, humanitarian relief, and infrastructure rebuilding.

Zelensky also noted that a significant portion of the approved aid has not yet reached Ukraine. His remarks have raised questions regarding the whereabouts of nearly $100 billion in U.S. assistance, fueling speculation about possible inefficiencies or mismanagement in fund distribution.

Mineral Trade Negotiations

While Ukraine remains open to discussing trade agreements involving its valuable mineral resources, Zelensky has made it clear that any deal must benefit Ukraine and its future security. He emphasized that he would not sign any agreement that puts his country at a strategic disadvantage.

“The U.S. has assured us that their investment would guarantee security because the Russians will not go near where the minerals are [if they are U.S. business],” Zelensky said. “But if [Putin] wants to, nothing will stop him from repeated aggression.”

In response to potential trade discussions, Zelensky has called for written guarantees that the U.S. will continue to protect its interests in Ukraine should Russia attempt further military action. He stressed that such assurances are necessary for long-term peace and stability, regardless of who is in the White House.

“This is not out of respect or disrespect for President Trump—but he is not going to be here forever. And we need peace for many, many years,” Zelensky said.

Uncertainty Over Ceasefire Talks

Washington has hinted that Trump could secure a ceasefire with Russia within a week if he returns to office, but Zelensky remains skeptical of such promises. He made it clear that he would not agree to any ceasefire arrangement that does not align with Ukraine’s best interests.

“We don’t trust them,” Zelensky said of Russia, highlighting concerns that a premature peace deal could lead to further territorial losses and prolonged instability.

Although discussions around Ukraine’s minerals appear to be evolving, Zelensky signaled that any agreement must be crafted carefully to ensure that it serves Ukraine’s strategic and economic interests.

“This agreement can add value to our relations—what matters most is getting the details right to ensure it truly works. I look forward to a just result,” he concluded.

As negotiations continue, the global community watches closely to see how the U.S.-Ukraine relationship will evolve in the face of shifting political and economic considerations.

Source

You also might be interested