**US Officials to Discuss Ukraine Aid in Europe**
The US will hold meetings in Europe this week to discuss financial support for Ukraine. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz made the announcement on February 9.
**Key Players to Attend Munich Conference**
Top officials from the US and Ukraine will attend the Munich Security Conference on February 14-16. President Volodymyr Zelensky will lead Ukraine’s delegation, while Vice President J.D. Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will represent the US.
**US Aid to Ukraine in Question**
The future of US aid to Ukraine has been uncertain since Donald Trump won re-election in November. Previous aid packages are running out, and neither Trump nor Congress have allocated new military aid to Ukraine.
**Trump’s Conditions for Aid**
President Trump wants trade deals with Ukraine in exchange for aid shipments. He suggested that new aid might depend on the US negotiating access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals.
**Zelensky Open to Mineral Partnership**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he’s open to an arrangement where US companies can access Ukraine’s rare earth reserves in exchange for continued support from Washington.
**Europe Expected to Take a Greater Role**
National Security Adviser Mike Waltz said that Europe will need to take on a greater role in Ukraine’s defense. He stated that the Europeans should “own” the conflict going forward.
**Sanctions Against Russia Possible**
Waltz also mentioned that President Trump is prepared to impose sanctions against Russia to pressure Moscow to negotiate an end to the war.
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