Zelenskyy criticizes US over shifting terms in rare earth minerals deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy claimed on Thursday that the US is constantly changing the terms of a key minerals agreement, saying there is currently “no issue on the agenda” that would warrant a trip to Washington.Speaking to journalists following the Leaders' Summit on Support for Ukraine in France, Zelenskyy expressed frustration over the lack of a final agreement on Ukraine's rare earth minerals cooperation with the US.

“At the end of the day, they constantly change the terms,” he said. “I'm not going to Washington because there's no issue on the agenda.”

The Ukrainian leader said multiple drafts and frameworks have already been discussed. “We have a lot of these agreements about the minerals, and I'd like to treat it not theoretically, but in practical terms,” he said.

Zelenskyy noted that Ukrainian and US teams are now working on a full version of the deal.

“America is changing the rules and proposing a full agreement, but it requires a detailed, thorough study… serious agreements that will be brought before the parliament and ratified,” he added.

He emphasized that lawyers have been reviewing multiple versions, first a framework deal and now a revised one under new terms. “We have to act in a reserved manner,” Zelenskyy said.

The proposed rare earth minerals deal is seen as a major step in US-Ukraine economic ties, especially as Kyiv seeks to leverage its strategic resources amid the ongoing war with Russia.

- 'UK, France will represent Europe'

Turning to diplomatic efforts, Zelenskyy emphasized that Europe must be represented in peace talks aimed at ending the war.

“The Ukrainian position is very clear – Europe must be at the negotiation table,” he said. “Europe is large and must have clear representation. Today we agreed that Europe will be represented by France and the UK, by Macron and Starmer.”

He also said the number of countries offering military support is increasing. “There are many proposals from leaders, and they are growing. Some are ready to help in the air, some with air defense, some with boots on the ground, and others at sea,” Zelenskyy said.

He described this expansion of support as “good news,” and added that more countries could still join the UK-France initiative regarding deployment.

- 'Silence in Black Sea what Russia wants'

Zelenskyy also commented on maritime security and sanctions, saying a ceasefire in the Black Sea could be beneficial.

“Silence in the Black Sea is exactly what the Russians want. They've suffered losses there,” he said. “But our Food Security Corridor has been operating without Russia for a long time. Still, we are certainly in favor of a ceasefire – on energy, on civilian infrastructure, and at sea.”

He warned, however, that Russia's behavior must be met with firm consequences.

“If the Russians violate any agreements and America responds decisively, then we all trust America and the president,” he said. “But if they violate and nothing happens – no sanctions, and instead people talk about easing sanctions – then it's not a matter of trust, it's a different question entirely. What are we supposed to do with all this?”

Responding to questions about peace negotiations, Zelenskyy said: “I'm not afraid of any format of talks. It's Putin who's not ready for direct negotiations with us.”