President Zelensky Announces U.S. Proposal for Rare Earth Elements Agreement

Ukrainian President Zelensky announced receiving a U.S. proposal for a rare earth elements agreement, which will undergo expert review. He stressed that the agreement must not incur debt and discussed a recent U.S.-Saudi agreement for a ceasefire with Russia. Zelensky criticized Putin’s negotiation proposals as tactics to prolong conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Ukraine has received an official proposal from the United States regarding a rare earth elements agreement. During a press conference in Kyiv, he confirmed that the draft agreement was delivered today, and it will be reviewed by relevant experts.

Zelensky indicated his intention to approve an agreement that aligns with Ukraine’s needs. He noted, “If there is a risky situation for us, I will, of course, share it with our people without any reservations.” He highlighted that the agreement should not entail any debt obligations, and expressed skepticism about potential conditions for new support packages from the United States.

Additionally, Zelensky addressed a recent agreement with the United States aimed at securing a ceasefire with Russia, specifically concerning the Black Sea and energy infrastructure. He emphasized the necessity of establishing a monitoring mechanism for the ceasefire, stating that the absence of such a system would jeopardize the effectiveness of any agreements reached.

He revealed that this issue was assessed by the United States for the first time, with discussions involving Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and certain European nations for potential monitoring operations. Zelensky acknowledged Saudi Arabia’s limitations in monitoring energy infrastructure while suggesting that Turkey could play a crucial role in ensuring security in the Black Sea.

Regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin’s proposal to create a “temporary administration” in Kyiv for negotiations, Zelensky dismissed it as a tactic to prolong the war. He stated that Putin’s aggression towards Ukraine demonstrates an ongoing effort to obstruct the negotiation process and undermine peace efforts, referencing the military invasion that has persisted since February 24, 2022.

In summary, President Zelensky has confirmed the receipt of a proposal from the United States regarding a rare earth elements agreement, emphasizing Ukraine’s need for beneficial conditions. He also discussed a ceasefire initiative with the U.S. related to Russia while critiquing Putin’s negotiation tactics. These developments highlight Ukraine’s strategic focus on international cooperation and security amidst ongoing conflicts.

Original Source: www.jordannews.jo