Talks between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US Vice President JD Vance ended in Munich without a breakthrough on a critical minerals deal that is central to Kiev's efforts to win the support of President Donald Trump.
"Our teams will continue to work on the document," Zelenskiy wrote on X, adding that he had a "good meeting" with Vance and that Kiev was "ready to move towards a real and guaranteed peace as soon as possible." Two members of the Ukrainian delegation told Reuters that "some details" still need to be worked out, A2 CNN writes.
It was not immediately clear what the sticking point was, but Ukraine is pushing for strong security guarantees from Europe and the United States that would protect it from Russia in the future if a peace deal is reached. Zelensky outlined the outlines of the deal in an interview with Reuters last week, unveiling a map showing numerous mineral deposits and saying he was offering a mutually beneficial partnership to develop them together rather than “give them away.” The minerals in question would include rare earths, as well as titanium, uranium and lithium, among others.
Trump, who has not pledged to continue vital military aid to Ukraine, has said he wants $500 billion in rare earth minerals from Kiev in order to secure Washington's support. Asked earlier if a deal would be agreed on Friday, Vance had said: "Let's see."
Ukraine was presented with a draft agreement drafted by the United States on Wednesday when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent traveled to Kiev. Zelenskiy said Ukraine would study it with a view to reaching an agreement in Munich. Bessent told Fox Business Network on Friday that the Trump administration's plan to end the war would integrate Kiev's economy with the United States, with the U.S. bringing in "best practices" in privatization. (A2 Televizion)
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