National Harbor, United States:
On Saturday, US President Donald Trump stated that he is working to reclaim funds amounting to billions of dollars that were allocated to aid Ukraine in its conflict with Russia.
These remarks were made as discussions continue between Washington and Kyiv regarding a mineral resources agreement that Trump seeks as reparations for the wartime assistance facilitated by his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Trump’s comments mark the latest development in a tumultuous first month since his inauguration, where he has significantly altered US foreign policy by extending diplomatic gestures towards the Kremlin, bypassing Ukraine and Europe.
While addressing attendees at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) near Washington, Trump declared: “I’m attempting to recover the money or secure it.”
“I expect some compensation for all the funds we’ve contributed. We’re seeking rare earth materials and oil—anything we can obtain.”
“We will reclaim our funds because it’s simply unjust. We will negotiate, and I believe we are nearing a resolution. We must be close; this situation has been dreadful.”
Earlier in the day, a source informed AFP that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was “not prepared” to finalize such a deal despite increasing pressure from the US.
War of words
Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy who met with Zelensky this week, mentioned that the Ukrainian leader recognized the importance of finalizing an agreement with the United States.
However, the Ukrainian source indicated to AFP that Kyiv requires guarantees before moving forward.
“In its current draft form, the president is unwilling to approve it; we are working on making amendments and enhancing its viability,” stated a source familiar with the discussions.
As Ukraine continues to combat Russia’s nearly three-year invasion, the country is insisting that any agreement with the US incorporate security assurances.
These negotiations are taking place amidst a growing exchange of heated remarks between Trump and Zelensky, which has raised concerns in Kyiv and throughout Europe.
On Wednesday, Trump labeled his Ukrainian counterpart a “dictator” and urged him to “act quickly” to conclude the conflict, just a day after Russian and US officials convened talks in Saudi Arabia without involving Kyiv.
Washington has suggested a United Nations resolution regarding the Ukraine situation, notably omitting any reference to Ukrainian territory currently occupied by Russia, according to diplomatic sources who spoke with AFP.
‘What kind of partnership is this?’
Trump has requested “$500 billion worth” of rare earth minerals to compensate for the assistance provided to Kyiv—a figure that Ukraine finds excessive and significantly exceeds official US aid statistics.
“There are no American commitments in the agreement regarding guarantees or investments; everything appears very ambiguous, yet they are asking for $500 billion from us,” the Ukrainian source disclosed to AFP.
“What type of partnership is this? And why should we be expected to provide $500 billion? There’s no explanation,” the source added, indicating that Ukraine had proposed modifications.
Since Russia’s invasion, the United States has supplied Ukraine with over $60 billion in military assistance, according to official records—making it the largest supporter among Kyiv’s allies, albeit below Trump’s stated amounts.
The Kiel Institute, a German economic research organization, estimated that from 2022 through the end of 2024, the US has contributed a total of 114.2 billion euros ($119.8 billion) in financial, humanitarian, and military support.
UK support ‘ironclad’
A senior Ukrainian official told AFP on Friday that discussions regarding a potential agreement were “ongoing,” despite rising tensions.
This dispute arises as Ukraine prepares to commemorate the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion on Monday, while its forces are gradually relinquishing ground on the front lines.
Earlier on Saturday, Moscow’s defense ministry announced the capture of Novolyubivka in the eastern Lugansk region, which is now predominantly under Russian control.
In a Saturday call with Zelensky, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reaffirmed the “UK’s unwavering support for Ukraine.”
Zelensky responded by commending the United Kingdom for its “leadership” regarding the war against Russia.
Starmer emphasized the mutual interests of both Britain and the United States in supporting Ukraine, which needs a decisive role in negotiations and “strong security guarantees for enduring peace,” as he articulated in a column for The Sun published late Saturday.
Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that Britain intends to introduce a substantial package of sanctions against Russia on Monday.
In London, thousands participated in a march supporting Ukraine on Saturday, with polls indicating significant backing for Kyiv among the British populace.
France’s Defense Minister Sebastien Lecornu mentioned on Saturday that Paris is considering increasing its contingent of frigates and Rafale fighter jets while also ramping up drone production.
These initiatives are being pursued to enhance France’s defense capabilities in light of the threats arising from the Ukraine conflict, as he was quoted in the Sunday edition of Le Parisien newspaper.
French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to arrive in Washington for discussions with Trump on Monday.
The White House announced on Saturday that Trump had a backstage meeting with conservative Polish President Andrzej Duda at CPAC, praising Duda for “Poland’s commitment to boost their defense spending.”
Duda, an ardent supporter of Trump, conveyed that he had encouraged Zelensky in a phone conversation on Friday to collaborate with the US president.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
