President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, during discussions in Ankara on Tuesday, expressed his concerns over a U.S. proposal for a critical minerals deal lacking security guarantees and the risk of Ukraine becoming a primary source of raw materials. He emphasized the necessity for reciprocity in any potential agreement with the U.S., stressing that while open to foreign investment in Ukraine's natural resources, the country cannot solely be a provider of raw materials.
Zelenskiy disclosed that he declined to sign the preliminary accord presented to Washington, indicating the document needed further refinement. The proposed deal aims to open up Ukraine's reserves of critical minerals including rare earth elements, titanium, uranium, and lithium.
The Ukrainian President's remarks coincided with his visit to Ankara and a separate U.S.-Russian meeting, where he highlighted the importance of Washington's support in ending the conflict in Ukraine. Zelenskiy stressed the need for Ukraine to be actively involved in negotiations concerning its future and demanded concrete security guarantees to secure peace, pointing out the necessity for influential parties at the table to prevent any potential return to hostilities by Russian President Vladimir Putin.