US President Donald Trump has again stated that he wants Ukraine to repay billions of dollars that the United States has sent it to defend itself against the war launched by Russia.
"I want them to give us something for all the money we've given them. We're looking for rare earth minerals - whatever we can find," Trump said at the Conservative Political Action Conference, held near Washington.
"I'm trying to get my money back."
Trump made these comments as negotiations continue between Washington and Kiev on an agreement that provides for American access to Ukrainian minerals, including those necessary for the production of batteries for electric cars and other technological equipment.
Trump's special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Keith Kellogg, traveled to Kiev earlier this week and met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, and said later that Zelensky understands how important signing the agreement is to the US.
Kellogg praised Zelensky as a "courageous" man.
Trump told supporters at the Conservative Conference that he believes the deal can be reached.
"We will get our money back, because it's not fair," he said.
"We'll see, but I believe we're very close to an agreement, and it's good if we're close."
According to a proposed document, the US would gain access to Ukrainian minerals to compensate for aid allocated to Kiev.
Zelensky was reported to have hesitated to sign the agreement at first, but on Saturday it was reported that he was considering revising the latest version of the agreement.
The American daily The New York Times has said that some of the conditions are even harsher than in the first draft.
Under the latest proposal, to which the newspaper said it had access, Ukraine would give the US access to minerals worth $500 billion.
Ruslan Stefanchuk, the speaker of Ukraine's parliament, told Ukrainian media that a group would commit to the deal on February 24, but that Ukraine wants to accept specific security guarantees in exchange for access to the minerals, according to the New York Times.
Trump's diplomatic strategy towards Russia, including the possibility of organizing a summit between him and Russian President Vladimir Putin, has alarmed Ukraine and Europe about the possibility of reaching an agreement that will not be in their favor.
The conflict in Ukraine has reached a critical stage on the eve of the third anniversary of its start, as Kiev's military forces are reportedly withdrawing from some parts of the front line./ REL (A2 Televizion)
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