**US and Ukraine Delay Meeting**
A meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Vice President JD Vance has been postponed. This is to give the US more time to review a draft agreement on minerals.
The draft agreement was given to the US by Ukraine’s government. It proposes that access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral reserves could be used as part of an aid package from the US. The US Treasury Secretary delivered the draft during a visit to Kyiv on February 12.
**What’s in the Agreement?**
The proposed minerals agreement is a key part of broader discussions between the US and Ukraine. It involves access to Ukraine’s mineral reserves in exchange for continued military and financial support from Washington.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has said he is open to this arrangement. He believes it could be beneficial for both countries, with Ukraine getting economic benefits and the US gaining access to valuable resources.
**A New Direction?**
The proposed minerals agreement could mark a significant shift in US-Ukraine relations. It would tie economic cooperation to security assistance. This means that future aid from the US could depend on Ukraine’s willingness to grant access to its mineral reserves.
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