Ukraine will not be raw material centre for others, - Zelenskyy on agreement on rare earth minerals
The draft agreement on Ukraine's rare earth minerals proposed by the United States does not contain security guarantees, and its signing would be unfair to Kyiv.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy told journalists at Esenboga Airport in Ankara, Censor.NET reports citing "Anadolu" Agency.
"I am always open to you investing in our country, investing in our natural resources. I am sure that our society supports this, our parliament supports this. But if we are going to give something, we should get something in return. I think that's what justice is," the head of state said.
Zelenskyy stressed that Ukraine has significant natural resources, including natural gas, oil and rare earth minerals, much of which is under Russian occupation, stressing the need to liberate these territories.
"We do not want to be a raw material hub for any continent. This is not about friendship or partnerships. It is written in our constitution. As president, I will not violate the constitution. I will protect our land and our interests," he added.
As reported earlier, White House National Security Council spokesman Bryan Hughes said the decision of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy not to sign the proposed agreement on granting the US access to rare earth minerals in Ukraine was ‘short-sighted’.
Earlier, President Zelenskyy said that the agreement with the US on minerals would be signed at the ministerial level when it is ready and subject to guarantees. Currently, this document is not ready to protect Ukraine's interest.
