US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz demanded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tone down his stance and revisit negotiations for a minerals deal with the United States.
"They need to dial it back and take a hard look and sign that deal," Waltz said in an interview to Fox News.
The suggested bargain, which supposedly aimed for 50% interest in Ukraine's natural resources, was first forwarded by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in the Munich Security Conference, says Xinhua news agency.
"You have to sign it," Bessent allegedly urged Zelensky during the meeting.
Nevertheless, Kyiv has thus far rejected the American offer. Upholding Ukraine's position, Zelensky said on Wednesday, "I can't sell our state."
Placing Ukraine's situation in context, he added, "In all, the United States has given us around $67 billion worth of military aid and $31.5 billion in budgetary assistance. One cannot, though, throw around to sum to $500 billion and insist on '$500 billion in minerals' in return—that is not a serious conversation."
Although rejecting the terms of the present agreement, Zelensky was thankful for US support and signaled Ukraine's openness to discuss an agreement involving security guarantees from Washington.
After a meeting in Kyiv with Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy to Ukraine and Russia, Zelensky referred to their meeting as "productive" in a post on social media platform X on Thursday.
"Ukraine stands for a powerful, effective investment and security accord with the President of the US. We have put forward the quickest and most constructive route to success," he said.
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