Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelenskyy has criticised the United States for constantly changing the terms of their key minerals agreement.
After a meeting in Paris, Zelenskyy said the conditions are constantly changing and that the U.S.’s stance against Russia should be stronger.
"I thought that we have agreed that there will be a framework deal, and then the full deal,” he said.
"Now, as I understand, the Ukrainian and American teams are working on it, because the US is changing these conditions and offers to sign the full deal right away."
The current agreement would see the U.S. get a 50% future stake in Ukraine’s state-owned mineral wealth and oil and gas reserves, which would be considered payment for the military and financial support received since Russia’s invasion three years ago.
These comments come as the U.S. and Ukraine hit a tumultuous point in their relationship.
In Paris, Zelenskyy said Ukraine needed U.S. support if it wanted a strong negotiation position in talks about a ceasefire with Russia.
Zelenskyy also made it clear that Europe must be represented at peace talks.
“The Ukrainian position is very clear – Europe must be at the negotiation table,” he said.
“Today we agreed that Europe will be represented by France and the UK, by Macron and Starmer.”
Zelenskyy also said the number of countries offering military support is growing and that more countries could still join the UK-France deployment initiative.
“There are many proposals from leaders, and they are growing. Some are ready to help in the air, some with air defence, some with boots on the ground, and others at sea,” he said.
