**US Offered Ukraine a “Colonial Agreement” for Rare Earth Minerals**
The United States proposed an agreement to Ukraine that would give the US 50% of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for military aid. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refused to sign the document.
According to a former senior Ukrainian official, the US proposal was like a “colonial agreement.” The official said it did not provide sufficient security guarantees for Ukraine. Instead, the focus was on the commercial aspects of a future partnership.
The US delegates at the Munich Security Conference did not offer any security guarantees in exchange for Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. They were more focused on how to protect Ukraine’s mineral deposits in case of ongoing Russian aggression.
**US Officials React**
White House National Security Council Spokesperson Brian Hughes called Zelensky’s refusal to sign the agreement “short-sighted.” National Security Adviser Mike Waltz encouraged Zelensky to take the deal, saying it would help grow Ukraine’s economy.
However, Ukrainian officials are not convinced. They say that the US is trying to recoup its costs from previous military aid packages to Ukraine.
**Russia and the Conflict**
Russia continues to wage war against Ukraine. The US administration hopes to achieve a ceasefire agreement by Easter, but European leaders are concerned that the US is advancing peace talks with Russia without their involvement.
The EU High Representative said that Ukraine will have to be involved in any negotiations because they were invaded, and Europeans will have to be involved due to sanctions on Putin and Russia.