Trump on military aid to Ukraine: Europe is largely responsible for this
According to US President Donald Trump, European countries should be "largely" responsible for providing Ukraine with defense assistance, including air defense systems.
This was reported by Censor.NET with reference to CNN.
As noted, during a conversation with media representatives in the White House, Trump was asked whether he would provide military assistance to Ukraine in the future, in particular after signing an agreement with Ukraine on minerals.
"Europe will be largely responsible for that," he said.
Asked whether French President Emmanuel Macron had asked for American support in providing security guarantees to Ukraine, Trump replied that "negotiations are ongoing."
"I don't think it (security guarantees for Ukraine - Ed.) will be a problem, many people want to get involved. I've talked to Russia, it doesn't seem to be a problem for them, I think they understand it," the US president said.
When asked about providing Ukraine with air defense equipment, the White House chief replied that this should also be Europe's responsibility first and foremost. He reiterated that he had "very good conversations" with Ukraine and Russia.
Earlier, Trump said that Zelenskyy might visit the White House on Friday to sign the minerals agreement.
Minerals agreement with the United States
As a reminder, Trump has said he wants to sign a $500 billion deal with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on access to rare earth resources and natural gas in Ukraine in exchange for security guarantees in any potential peace settlement.
President Zelenskyy said that the agreement with the US on minerals would be signed at the ministerial level when ready and subject to guarantees. Currently, this document is not ready to protect Ukraine's interest.
Later, Trump said that Ukraine had derailed the rare earth metals deal. The agreement was needed so that the United States could recover the money spent on supporting Ukraine.
The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump has handed over to Ukraine an "improved" draft of the minerals agreement that "complies with Ukrainian law."
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that if the US wants to see specific numbers in the minerals agreement, then according to Ukrainian law, ratification by the Verkhovna Rada will be required.
