Agreement with the USA on minerals: Zelenskyy stated what should be in the document
Zelenskyy told Trump that Ukraine wanted to sign an agreement, “but when we moved on to the details, there are currently no security guarantees.”
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Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Photo: Associated Press
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy states that he supports signing an agreement with the USA regarding investments in mineral extraction, but emphasizes that the document should include provisions on security guarantees for Ukraine.
He shared this during a video call with journalists on February 17, following his visit to the UAE.
“The issue is with the United States. That’s why I wanted something to be outlined in this document regarding security guarantees. Otherwise, we are happy for America to invest. But it’s a legal matter,” said Zelenskyy.
He adds that the agreement should also reflect that Ukraine is "not a raw materials country."
“The issue isn’t just taking the resource – it’s that you invest so that something exists without this resource. We are not a raw materials country. And I think this point, that we are not a raw materials country, should be clearly reflected in the document,” the President explained.
According to Zelenskyy, he told U.S. President Donald Trump that Ukraine wanted to sign the agreement, “but when we moved on to the details, there are currently no security guarantees.”
“Security guarantees should be at least somehow outlined in this memorandum. Of course, we understand that this is currently just a memorandum, and a deeper document with details will follow. But we spoke, for example, with Vice President JD Vance – and he agreed, as did I, that it’s better to develop a more detailed plan, an agreement, quickly, and sign what will really have a result, not just intentions. Because the war is ongoing, and security guarantees are important for us,” the Ukrainian President said.
He stressed the importance of having it written on paper “what exactly the United States is providing as a security guarantee.” Zelenskyy said that most details can change, but “some fundamental things must be in place.”
According to the Head of State, security guarantees might include weapons, economic guarantees, and fundamental political guarantees.
“If we are talking about the economy – yes, EU membership is mandatory, and for us, it’s also an economic guarantee. Because it’s a large market, and Ukraine is seeking to be an equal partner. Security guarantees also include an understanding of these investments from the USA. Undoubtedly, I am positive about these investments. Certainly, it will boost our economy, but we need to understand the details. We don’t have security guarantees for our army,” Zelenskyy said.
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