Zelensky Rejects US Mineral Agreement Amid Munich Security Conference
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refuses to sign an agreement with the US over mineral rights, asserting the document does not provide sufficient protections for Ukraine.
During the second day of the Munich Security Conference, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that he has declined to sign a proposed agreement with the United States concerning Ukrainian minerals.
Zelensky stated that he did not authorize his ministers to sign the document as it is not ready and does not adequately protect Ukraine at this stage.
He emphasized the necessity for such an agreement to include security guarantees for Ukraine, asserting, 'However, I do not yet see that connection between minerals and protection in the document.'
The announcement came as high-ranking officials from various nations gathered in Munich to discuss global security matters.
Zelensky highlighted the need for an 'European Army' and warned that any agreements made without Ukraine’s involvement would be unacceptable.
'We will never accept agreements reached behind our backs, without our participation,' he emphasized.
Mark Rutte, the Secretary-General of NATO, remarked during the conference that member states would need to significantly increase their defense spending beyond three percent of their GDP in response to the evolving security landscape.
U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Kit Kellogg, indicated that a peace plan for Ukraine could be finalized within days or weeks, though specific details remain undisclosed.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban echoed sentiments from the Kremlin, cautioning that Ukraine could transform into a 'Afghanistan of Europe.' Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz articulated Germany's commitment to purchasing U.S. military equipment, while concurrently developing a robust European defense industry.
He stated, 'There will be peace only if Ukrainian sovereignty is assured.'
Zelensky also reaffirmed his government’s stance that Ukraine will not abandon its aspirations for NATO membership and called for immediate European action regarding security planning for Ukraine in light of ongoing discussions among global players.
Currently, Russian forces are reported to have taken control of the settlement of Berezivka in the eastern Ukraine region of Donetsk, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, as tensions continue to escalate in the region.
Zelensky stated that he did not authorize his ministers to sign the document as it is not ready and does not adequately protect Ukraine at this stage.
He emphasized the necessity for such an agreement to include security guarantees for Ukraine, asserting, 'However, I do not yet see that connection between minerals and protection in the document.'
The announcement came as high-ranking officials from various nations gathered in Munich to discuss global security matters.
Zelensky highlighted the need for an 'European Army' and warned that any agreements made without Ukraine’s involvement would be unacceptable.
'We will never accept agreements reached behind our backs, without our participation,' he emphasized.
Mark Rutte, the Secretary-General of NATO, remarked during the conference that member states would need to significantly increase their defense spending beyond three percent of their GDP in response to the evolving security landscape.
U.S. Special Envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Kit Kellogg, indicated that a peace plan for Ukraine could be finalized within days or weeks, though specific details remain undisclosed.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban echoed sentiments from the Kremlin, cautioning that Ukraine could transform into a 'Afghanistan of Europe.' Meanwhile, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz articulated Germany's commitment to purchasing U.S. military equipment, while concurrently developing a robust European defense industry.
He stated, 'There will be peace only if Ukrainian sovereignty is assured.'
Zelensky also reaffirmed his government’s stance that Ukraine will not abandon its aspirations for NATO membership and called for immediate European action regarding security planning for Ukraine in light of ongoing discussions among global players.
Currently, Russian forces are reported to have taken control of the settlement of Berezivka in the eastern Ukraine region of Donetsk, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, as tensions continue to escalate in the region.
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