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Donald Trump has indicated that an agreement concerning Ukraine’s rare earth metals is “rather close” and that the U.S. is aiming for “everything we can acquire” in return for the assistance that has been rendered.
During a conference, Mr. Trump expressed his resolve to seek recompense for billions of dollars invested in military equipment and other forms of support.
Nevertheless, a source informed Sky News that President Zelenskyy is not prepared to endorse the proposed agreement.
President Trump was a prominent figure at the CPAC conference in Maryland
“I want them to provide something in exchange for all the funds we’ve expended,” Mr. Trump stated during the CPAC conference. “Thus, we’re requesting rare earth materials and oil – anything we can obtain!”
He asserted that European nations had extended their assistance as a loan, while the U.S. had not, implying they were entitled to some form of remuneration.
“We are going to recover our investments because it’s simply not equitable,” Mr. Trump announced at the event in Maryland.
“And we will see, but I believe we are quite near an agreement. We better be nearing a deal”.
Mr. Trump asserted that the U.S. had allocated $350 billion in assistance, although some international organizations, including Kiel’s Institute for the World Economy, estimate the figure to be closer to $120 billion.
Rare earth metals are utilized in advanced technological products such as smartphones and electric vehicles. There is a rising demand, but concerns regarding future supply persist.
Mr. Trump’s national security advisor, Mike Waltz, remarked at the same conference on Friday that he too was confident a deal would be established.
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You can email James, Martha and Mark on trump100@sky.uk
Regardless of the U.S.’s optimistic stance, a source from Ukraine has stated that an agreement is not yet imminent due to “a variety of concerning issues”.
They noted that drafts did not “represent a collaborative approach in the agreement and solely include unilateral commitments from Ukraine“.
Kyiv is likely to be advocating firm security assurances from the United States in any forthcoming peace agreement with Russia.
Mr. Trump’s address on Saturday evening covered various topics, making several remarks about opponents such as Joe Biden and celebrating what he described as many accomplishments since he returned to the White House.
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Meloni’s communication to CPAC conference
He also acknowledged attendees in the audience, including Reform leader Nigel Farage, whom he praised as a “fantastic individual,” as well as Argentinian President Javier Milei, who addressed the conference in Spanish on Saturday.
The Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, regarded as a pivotal ally of Trump in Europe, also presented a video commentary defending the political trajectory of the continent.
“I understand that Europe may appear remote and adrift, yet I assure you it is not,” stated Ms. Meloni, who reiterated her backing for Ukraine, emphasizing it was combating “a brutal onslaught” from Russia.
President Trump reiterated his belief that a resolution to the conflict is achievable under his administration, claiming he is “engaging” with both the Ukrainian and Russian leaders.
“I’ve communicated with President Putin and I am optimistic that this situation [the war] will reach a conclusion,” he informed the conference.
Ukraine has asserted it will not agree to any proposal made without its involvement, having been excluded from this week’s discussions between senior US and Russian diplomats in Saudi Arabia.
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Mr. Zelenskyy welcomed US special envoy Keith Kellogg in Kyiv this week. Credit: AP
Strains have increased recently between President Trump and President Zelenskyy.
The US leader labeled Mr. Zelenskyy as a “dictator,” seemingly in reaction to the Ukrainian president’s assertion that Mr. Trump is operating within a Russian “disinformation sphere.”
Sir Keir Starmer reasserted his steadfast support for Ukraine’s leader during a phone conversation on Saturday.
Downing Street indicated that the prime minister “emphasized his unyielding support” and “commitment to achieving a fair and lasting peace to terminate Russia’s unlawful conflict.”
This comes shortly before Sir Keir and French President Emmanuel Macron visit Washington for complex discussions in which they need to advocate for Ukraine while simultaneously maintaining a positive rapport with the US leader.
On Friday, President Trump mentioned on a radio program that the two European leaders “have not accomplished anything” to resolve the conflict.
