Saturday, February 08, 2025

Zelenskiyy signals diplomatic push to win over Trump -- Using Ukraine's Mineral Wealth Leverage.

Kyiv has been keen to flaunt its natural resources as a way to reel in partners and strengthen its position ahead of any peace talks with Russia.

In an interview with Reuters on Friday, Zelenskyy said he was open to the idea of opening up access to Ukrainian deposits.

Trump has previously expressed skepticism of U.S. military backing for Ukraine, but more recently he said that he was open to a deal with the country provided that Kyiv opens up its mineral resources, including rare-earth elements, to U.S. exploitation.

The minerals — which have also fueled the administration's recent interest in Greenland — have a wide range of uses, including in defense, electronics, and energy production.

Zelenskiyy signals diplomatic push to win over Trump

POLITICO.eu

5 hours ago

Zelenskyy signals diplomatic push to win over Trump – POLITICO

Kyiv wants to secure the U.S. administration on its side before any peace talks with Russia

February 8, 2025 1:09 pm CET

By Carlo Martuscelli

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiyy is making a diplomatic push to win over Donald Trump's White House ahead of any negotiations with Russia, using Ukraine's mineral wealth as leverage.

“The coming weeks could be very busy in diplomacy,” said Zelenskyy in a post on Telegram late Saturday, adding that he valued “cooperation with President Trump.”

NATO on Ukraine | Cartoon Movement

The annual Munich Security Conference starts next week, with the Ukrainian leader, as well U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Keith Kellogg, Trump's special envoy to Russia and Ukraine, in attendance. Kyiv faces growing pressure to end the war as the death toll mounts and Russia slowly chips away at the frontline.. .

The Telegraph

22 hours ago

Trump open to meet with Putin but Zelensky demands to see US president first

Ukraine's gas storage facilities are another area of possible cooperation. The country was a major transit point for Russian natural gas to Europe until Moscow's invasion three years ago.

The U.S. is now the world's number one exporter of liquefied natural gas (LNG).

“We're ready and willing to have contracts for LNG supplies to Ukraine. And of course, we will be a hub for the whole of Europe,” Zelenskyy said.

Trump said late Friday that he may meet Zelenskyy next week, but added that he maintains a “very good relationship” with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

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