White House predicts Ukraine will sign contested minerals pact

The White House predicted Friday that Ukraine would soon agree to a controversial minerals access agreement, despite previous resistance from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over security concerns.

“President Zelensky is going to sign that deal, and you will see that in the very short term, and that is good for Ukraine,” National Security Advisor Michael Waltz said at the Conservative Political Action Conference near Washington.

The proposed agreement, which would grant the United States access to Ukraine’s mineral deposits, comes amid an unprecedented rift between former allies. Former President Donald Trump recently labeled Zelensky a “dictator” and made unfounded claims about Ukraine’s role in starting the conflict with Russia.

The minerals deal represents a significant shift in U.S.-Ukraine relations. Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, the United States had been Ukraine’s primary supporter, providing crucial military, financial, and diplomatic backing.

Trump puts conditions on once ‘unconditional’ Ukraine aid

Trump’s administration is now advocating for a transactional approach to aid. “What could be better for Ukraine than to be in an economic partnership with the United States?” Waltz asked the conservative audience, dismissing critics of the policy change.

The White House has also initiated direct discussions with Moscow about ending the conflict, drawing criticism from both Kyiv and European allies who feel excluded from the process. Defending these talks, Waltz said, “You can’t end a war if you don’t talk to both sides.”

He added that Washington was “talking to the Russians, understanding what they are going to need, and then understanding what the Ukrainians are going to need, talking to all of the Europeans.”

While Ukrainian officials maintain the minerals agreement remains under consideration, the development marks a notable departure from the previously unconditional support Ukraine received from Washington.