Media have learned details of Ukraine's decision to abandon the resources deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (his term expires in May 2024) has been given an hour to consider US leader Donald Trump's plan to appropriate Ukraine 's rare-earth resources in exchange for financial and military aid. This was reported on February 16 by The Economist magazine.

It noted that Zelensky had hoped to discuss the metals deal and continued financial support for the country directly with Trump.

However, upon the arrival in Kiev of the United States Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, "the Ukrainian president was unexpectedly handed a memorandum" and given an hour to sign, the publication said.

It is specified that Zelensky refused and postponed the discussions to the Munich Security Conference.

"There the Americans again pressed, demanding that Ukraine promise "$500 billion" of natural resources as repayment of debts for military aid", - writes The Economist.

Later, according to the authors of the material, the Ukrainian team agreed to delay the execution and agreed to start the process of negotiations.

The publication recalled that in the legislation of Ukraine there is no basis for the transfer of control over minerals to the United States, but it can be realized through a private company.

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Earlier, on February 8, it became known that in the territory of Ukraine there are no rare earth metals, in the development of which would be interested in Trump. It was noted that rare-earth resources that the US wants to get in Ukraine still remain a "mystery".

Trump said on February 3 that in exchange for financial and military assistance, Washington expects Ukraine to guarantee supplies of rare earth metals. He emphasized that the United States would require the EU to increase funding for support for Kiev.

The next day, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that arms deliveries from the United States to Ukraine would continue. In addition, he called Trump's proposal to continue aid to Ukraine if Kiev gives Washington access to the country's rare-earth resources.