US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to sign a critical minerals deal with the United States in the “very short term,” as efforts intensify to bring an end to the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) in Maryland on Friday, Waltz emphasized that under Donald Trump’s leadership, the conflict would end swiftly, describing Trump as a “president of peace.”
The negotiations come as Washington faces criticism for attempting to soften language in the annual G7 declaration that previously condemned Russia as the aggressor. According to a report from the Financial Times, tensions between Kyiv and Washington have escalated after US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent proposed a deal giving the US ownership of around 50% of Ukraine’s critical mineral rights in exchange for past military assistance—a proposal Zelenskyy rejected, citing concerns over Ukraine’s sovereignty and constitution.
While Waltz claimed that Zelenskyy would soon agree to the deal, Ukrainian officials have pushed back, stating that they are working on a counterproposal that ensures future US investments and security guarantees. Talks with US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg are ongoing in Kyiv, with both sides still negotiating key terms.
Complicating matters further, Trump recently dismissed Zelenskyy’s relevance in peace talks, labeling him a “dictator” and suggesting that the Ukrainian leader’s involvement was not necessary to end the war. Despite these remarks, Ukrainian officials have reiterated their commitment to constructive negotiations, emphasizing their reliance on US support to defend against Russian aggression.
As the two sides continue discussions, the outcome of the mineral deal could have significant implications for Ukraine’s economic recovery and the future of US-Ukrainian relations.
