Ukraine Rejects $500 Billion Debt Demand in U.S. Minerals Agreement

Zelenskyy Confirms Progress in U.S.-Ukraine Rare Minerals Deal

Key Agreement Terms Shift in Favor of Ukraine

A controversial Trump administration proposal that would have granted the U.S. $500 billion in profits from Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as compensation for wartime aid has been removed from negotiations, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed on Sunday. He indicated that discussions are now focused on a fairer agreement.

Speaking at a government forum in Kyiv marking the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Zelenskyy clarified that Ukraine had previously rejected a draft agreement due to its lack of security guarantees and the hefty financial demand.

“The question of $500 billion is no longer there,” Zelenskyy said, emphasizing that treating aid as a debt to be repaid would set a dangerous precedent.

“We do not recognize the debt. It will not be in the final format of the agreement,” he stated.

While details of the revised deal remain undisclosed, Ukraine insists that security guarantees must be included to deter future Russian aggression.

U.S. Officials Expect Deal This Week

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, stated on CNN’s State of the Union that a final agreement allowing the U.S. to participate in Ukraine’s mineral extraction could be reached within days.

Meanwhile, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the evolving deal as a “win-win,” asserting: “We make money if the Ukrainian people make money.”

Zelenskyy’s chief of staff, Andrii Yermak, along with Economic Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, left the Kyiv forum early to meet with U.S. officials for further negotiations.

After the discussions, Yermak posted on social media, confirming a “constructive conversation” with Bessent and Trump’s National Security Adviser Mike Walz.

“We are making progress. The USA is our partner, and we are grateful to the American people,” Yermak wrote.

Zelenskyy Says He Would Trade Presidency for NATO Membership

During the forum, Zelenskyy made a bold statement, saying he would be willing to step down if it guaranteed Ukraine’s entry into NATO and long-term security.

“If to achieve peace, you really need me to give up my post, I’m ready,” Zelenskyy declared. “I can trade it for NATO.”

His remarks appeared to respond to recent suggestions by both Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that Ukraine should hold elections, despite martial law prohibiting them.

Concerns Over Trump’s Policy Shift Toward Russia

Trump’s recent decision to reestablish diplomatic and economic ties with Russia has sparked concern across Europe, raising fears that Ukraine may be pressured into territorial concessions.

Zelenskyy has warned that any hasty peace deal could leave Ukraine vulnerable to future Russian aggression. U.S. officials have assured him that Ukraine will be involved in any peace talks.

However, Trump caused outrage in Ukraine this week when he suggested that Kyiv had started the war and accused Zelenskyy of acting as a “dictator” by not holding elections.

In response, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov confirmed that Moscow and Washington are set to continue bilateral talks next week. “Quite a lot” of contact is ongoing between both sides, Ryabkov told Russia’s TASS news agency.

Europe Scrambles to Maintain Support for Ukraine

European leaders are moving quickly to counteract the potential loss of U.S. aid under Trump’s new policies.

• EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other top officials will travel to Kyiv on Monday to discuss ongoing support.
• The U.K. will announce new sanctions against Russia, described as “the biggest package since the early days of the war,” according to Foreign Secretary David Lammy.
• British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron will visit Washington this week to urge Trump to maintain U.S. support for Ukraine

Russia Launches Record Drone Attack on Ukraine

As diplomatic tensions rise, Russia escalated its military aggression with an unprecedented drone assault on Ukraine overnight.

• 267 drones were launched, making it the largest drone attack since the war began.
• 138 drones were shot down over 13 Ukrainian regions.
• Three ballistic missiles were also fired, with one person killed in Kryvyi Rih.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, condemned Putin’s actions, warning:

“No one should trust Putin’s words. Look at his actions instead.”

Conclusion

With U.S.-Ukraine negotiations shifting toward a more equitable rare minerals deal and European leaders rallying to sustain support, the geopolitical landscape remains uncertain. Meanwhile, Trump’s engagement with Russia continues to fuel concerns about Ukraine’s security and the future of Western alliances.

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