Volodymyr Zelenskyy accuses US of 'constantly changing' minerals deal as France hosts more war talks

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday accused the United States of "constantly changing" a minerals deal linked to military aid, seemingly exacerbating a rift in already fragile relations between Kyiv and Washington. Zelenskyy made the comments after a meeting in Paris, also stating that the U.S. stance on Russia should be tougher, three years after Russia's full-scale invasion of his country. He emphasized the need for a consistent and reliable partnership.

“The conditions are constantly changing,” Zelenskyy said, referring to negotiations with the U.S. regarding the minerals agreement. He added, “I thought we had already agreed, first on a framework agreement, and then on a comprehensive one. But now, as far as I understand, the Ukrainian and American teams are working on this, because the United States is changing these conditions and proposing to sign a comprehensive agreement immediately.” This shift in approach has introduced uncertainty into the process.

Under the agreement, the U.S. would receive a future 50% stake in Ukraine's vast state-owned mineral wealth, as well as oil and gas reserves. This would be seen as payment for the military and financial assistance received since Russia's full-scale invasion three years ago. Zelenskyy's remarks come at a volatile time in Ukrainian-U.S. relations, potentially jeopardizing future collaborations.

U.S. President Trump has repeatedly criticized his Ukrainian counterparts, and an awkward exchange in the Oval Office last month showed the world just how strained their relationship is. Zelenskyy had traveled to Washington to sign the minerals agreement, but after the public spat, the deal failed to materialize, and Trump promptly suspended military aid and intelligence support to Ukraine. The deterioration of trust has significant implications for the ongoing conflict.

Zelenskyy stated in Paris that if Ukraine wants to be in a favorable position in negotiations with Russia aimed at brokering a ceasefire, it needs U.S. support. He also said that he does not want people to interpret his comments about the minerals agreement as a sign that he is against the deal. French President Macron and British Prime Minister Starmer are working to garner support for a multinational peacekeeping force to be deployed to Ukraine after a ceasefire is announced, but so far, public commitments from other countries to send troops remain scarce.