Ukraine will have $350 billion, lot of military equipment and right to fight - Trump on mineral deal
US President Donald Trump said that as part of the agreement on rare earth resources, Ukraine will receive, first of all, the right to continue to repel Russian troops.
He said this during a conversation with journalists on the evening of February 25, Censor.NET reports, with reference to Ostap Yarysh of Voice of America.
Trump emphasized that "the deal could be for trillions of dollars."
"$350 billion (which, according to Trump, has allegedly already been provided, he reiterated that he wants to return $350 billion to American taxpayers - Ed.), a lot of military equipment, the right to continue fighting. First of all, the right to fight," the American leader said when asked what Ukraine would get by signing an agreement with the United States.
He noted that Ukraine is very brave and has a brave military.
"But without the US, our money and military equipment, this war would have ended in a very short period of time. In fact, remember the famous Javelin? It was me. It wasn't Obama, it wasn't Biden, it wasn't anyone else. It was me," Trump added.
The US president noted that assistance to Ukraine will continue until an agreement with Russia is reached, which "may take some time or be quickly agreed upon."
On February 25, the Financial Times reported that Ukraine and the United States had agreed on the terms of a minerals agreement and were ready to sign the document.
Minerals agreement with the US
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.
