Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Declines US Mineral Deals

Author: Luthfie Febrianto
February 25, 2025

RUU Baru Ukraina Tingkatkan Mobilisasi Wajib Militer (Shutterstock)

SEAToday.com, Jakarta - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reportedly refused a demand from former U.S. President Donald Trump to allocate $500 billion worth of Ukraine's mineral resources to the United States.

The request was made during informal diplomatic discussions, with Trump allegedly seeking control over a significant portion of Ukraine’s mineral wealth, including lithium and titanium, which are crucial for advanced technology, defense, and energy industries.

However, Zelenskyy firmly declined, emphasizing that Ukraine’s natural resources must remain under national control and be used to benefit its people.

“I’m not signing something that 10 generations of Ukrainians are going to pay later,” he said as quoted on The Guardian.

While the U.S. has been Kyiv’s primary military and financial supporter, this reported demand raises concerns about potential strains in US-Ukraine relations, especially given Trump’s critical stance on continued American aid to Ukraine.

The former president has repeatedly expressed skepticism over long-term US assistance and has hinted at reevaluating Washington’s commitments should he return to office.

Zelenskyy’s refusal signals Kyiv’s insistence on maintaining sovereignty over its economic assets, despite its reliance on Western support.

Ukrainian officials have previously stated that international partnerships should be built on fair agreements, not pressure or coercion.

As of now, neither Zelenskyy nor Trump has publicly commented on the report.

However, the issue could become a flashpoint in future US-Ukraine relations, particularly as Ukraine seeks further Western investment and military assistance to counter Russian aggression.

Writer: Andi Raisa Malaha Thambas