Ukraine to Send Delegation to Discuss US Proposal Amid Russia’s Ceasefire Concerns
Ukraine is preparing to send a delegation to the United States this week to discuss Washington’s latest proposal regarding access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits. Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced on Monday that a team would visit the U.S. to advance negotiations on the contentious deal, which President Donald Trump has tied to continued U.S. support for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Trump has framed the deal, which grants the U.S. preferential access to Ukraine’s valuable natural resources, as critical for Kyiv’s post-war security and reconstruction. However, Moscow has stalled on the White House’s efforts to broker a ceasefire, citing “unanswered questions.”
The Ukrainian delegation will include representatives from various ministries, including economy, foreign affairs, justice, and finance. Svyrydenko emphasized that the dialogue underscores the strategic interests of both nations and their commitment to building a transparent and robust partnership. Writing on X (formerly Twitter), she noted that the negotiations aim to align on project selection, legal frameworks, and long-term investment mechanisms.
The deal is seen as vital for Kyiv to sustain U.S. support, especially as Trump appears increasingly aligned with Moscow’s stance in ceasefire talks, sidelining Ukraine and its European allies. Trump has rejected the idea of deploying peacekeepers to ensure Ukraine’s security, arguing instead that the presence of U.S. companies extracting minerals would deter Russian aggression.
An earlier version of the deal faltered after a heated Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in February. Last month, Washington presented Kyiv with a revised draft, significantly broader in scope and including access not only to rare earth minerals but also to gas and oil. Critics have condemned the proposal as a diplomatic shakedown.
Trump views the deal as a way to recoup billions in aid provided to Ukraine’s fight against Russia. However, Zelenskyy has insisted that Kyiv will not treat past U.S. aid as a repayable loan or agree to any deal that jeopardizes Ukraine’s future integration with the European Union.
Russia’s Ceasefire Skepticism
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated on Monday that Russian President Vladimir Putin supports the idea of a ceasefire but cautioned that many questions remain unresolved. Putin has rejected a joint U.S.-Ukrainian proposal for an unconditional ceasefire, instead linking a partial truce in the Black Sea to the West lifting certain sanctions.
Ukraine’s European allies have warned the U.S. against falling for Moscow’s delaying tactics while Russia continues its bombardment of Ukrainian territory. French President Emmanuel Macron, during a visit to Cairo, Egypt, stressed the urgency of Russia accepting an unconditional ceasefire, accusing Moscow of escalating attacks on civilians.
Mixed Signals from Washington
Trump has expressed frustration with the slow pace of negotiations, telling NBC News in March that he was “p***** off” with Putin. However, he has since continued to highlight his warm relationship with the Russian leader. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that Trump would not be drawn into “endless negotiations” with Russia over its three-year offensive, adding that the U.S. would know within weeks whether Moscow is serious about peace.
For the latest updates and more news, visit ZTC News and ZNews Today. Stay informed with our reliable sources!