Trump Intensifies Criticism of Zelenskyy Amid US-Ukraine Mineral Deal Negotiations

Saturday 22 February 2025 - 08:37

The US President Donald Trump has escalated his attacks on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, coinciding with White House statements indicating that an agreement on rare earth minerals between the US and Ukraine is nearing completion.

In a recent interview, Trump continued to blame Zelenskyy for the consequences of Russia’s invasion, dismissing claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin was solely responsible. Trump criticized the Ukrainian leader’s approach to diplomacy, arguing that he had gained little from negotiations and implying that his presence in high-level meetings was unnecessary.

Meanwhile, White House National Security Adviser Mike Waltz suggested that Ukraine was close to finalizing a deal that would allow US access to its rare earth minerals in exchange for continued American support. The US has been pressing Kyiv for this agreement, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent previously seeking a 50% stake in these resources—a proposal initially rejected by Zelenskyy.

A Shift in US Foreign Policy

Trump’s remarks align with a broader shift in US policy on Ukraine. Unlike the previous administration, which prioritized NATO alliances and long-term military aid, Trump’s team has urged Ukraine to accept territorial losses to Russia and abandon aspirations for NATO membership. This stance has drawn criticism for seemingly offering concessions to Moscow before formal peace talks even begin.

Following a recent US-Russia meeting in Saudi Arabia, Trump further provoked controversy by suggesting Ukraine should never have engaged in war. Zelenskyy responded by accusing Trump of spreading misinformation, prompting a social media tirade from the former US president, who labeled him a "dictator without elections"—despite widespread public support for the Ukrainian leader under martial law conditions.

Global Reactions

Trump’s statements have sparked strong reactions from European leaders. German Chancellor Olaf Scholz reaffirmed Europe's unwavering support for Ukraine, while French President Emmanuel Macron planned to caution Trump against adopting a lenient stance toward Putin. In contrast, Polish President Andrzej Duda urged Zelenskyy to maintain constructive dialogue with Trump, emphasizing that US support remains vital for securing lasting peace.

Despite Trump’s criticism, US Special Envoy to Ukraine Keith Kellogg took a more measured approach, praising Zelenskyy as a "courageous leader of a nation at war" after recent discussions in Kyiv. The unfolding diplomatic tensions underscore the complexities of US-Ukraine relations as critical negotiations over mineral resources and military support continue.