Zelensky urges Trump to make no compromises with Russia

 Zelensky Urges Trump to Make No Compromises with Russia

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WASHINGTON – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged US President Donald Trump on Friday to avoid making "compromises with a killer," referring to Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a critical meeting at the White House aimed at discussing a deal for US participation in Ukraine’s mineral industry.

The meeting, which included talks in the Oval Office followed by a lunch and joint press conference, came as Zelenskyy and Trump negotiated an agreement that would open Ukraine’s vast mineral resources to the United States. However, the deal did not include explicit US security guarantees for Ukraine, a point of contention for the Ukrainian leader, who has long depended on US support in its ongoing war against Russia.

Zelenskyy, who has received significant military and financial assistance from the Biden administration to support Ukraine’s resistance, faces a starkly different approach from Trump, who is keen to wind down the war and reset US relations with Moscow. Trump’s stance focuses on seeking a quick resolution to the conflict, improving ties with Russia, and ensuring that US aid to Ukraine is recouped. His plan does not focus on explicit security commitments for Ukraine, a shift from the previous US policy.

Trump, speaking before the talks, expressed a desire to be remembered as a peacemaker, saying, "I hope I’m going to be remembered as a peacemaker," while also praising the bravery of Ukrainian soldiers. "The United States wants to see an end to the fighting and the money put to different kinds of use, like rebuilding," he added.

However, Zelenskyy, who has been adamant about not compromising on his country’s sovereignty, responded bluntly, urging Trump not to make concessions with what he referred to as "a killer" – an apparent reference to Putin’s actions in Ukraine and elsewhere. The Ukrainian president’s words underscored the deep divide between the two leaders on how to address the Russian threat.

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Tensions Over Deal Details and Security Guarantees

The deal, which would allow US companies to tap into Ukraine’s mineral wealth, has been seen as a potential boon for both countries, with Trump forecasting that the US would eventually gain "hundreds of billions of dollars" from the venture. However, the agreement does not explicitly include security guarantees for Ukraine, a crucial concern for Kyiv.

Trump, despite not offering security guarantees, believes the presence of American businesses in Ukraine would serve as a form of indirect assurance, suggesting that economic involvement would stabilize the region. Zelenskyy, however, rejected this notion, stating that he would not sign an agreement that could saddle his country with long-term debt for the sake of short-term economic benefits.

Under the terms of the agreement, Ukraine would contribute 50% of revenues earned from its future natural resource monetization to a joint reconstruction fund managed by both the US and Ukraine. This fund would cover various resources, including minerals, oil, and natural gas, along with infrastructure such as gas terminals and ports. The specifics of how these funds would be spent remain unclear, leaving room for ambiguity and concern in Kyiv about how much control it would retain over its own assets.

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Zelenskyy’s Reluctance to Commit

Zelenskyy’s hesitation to sign the agreement highlights the delicate balance he must strike. While seeking crucial economic support for Ukraine, he is deeply wary of any deal that could compromise the nation’s future independence or place it in debt for generations. "We need to make sure that our country is not bound by agreements that will burden future generations," Zelenskyy said, emphasizing that any agreement must be in Ukraine’s best interests both economically and politically.

As the talks continue, Zelenskyy’s position underscores the broader challenges facing Ukraine as it navigates its relationship with the United States, balancing the need for support in its war with Russia against the necessity of preserving its sovereignty and avoiding undue dependency.

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A Shift in US Policy on Ukraine

Trump’s evolving stance on Ukraine and its security is causing unease in Kyiv and among European allies. His reduced commitment to European security and the absence of a formal security agreement for Ukraine signal a potential shift in US foreign policy. The shift has raised concerns about the future of Western support for Ukraine and the broader implications for regional stability.

The potential for a peace deal that may favor Russia is a growing worry for Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials. As Trump looks to wind down the war, the question remains whether Kyiv can secure its sovereignty without compromising its future.

As the talks progress, both Trump and Zelenskyy will have to navigate these difficult issues, with the future of Ukraine’s security and economic recovery hanging in the balance.