By admin 
National Harbor, United States:
US President Donald Trump stated on Saturday that he is working to recover or secure funds for the billions of dollars the U.S. has sent to support Ukraine in its war against Russia.
His remarks come as Washington and Kyiv negotiate a potential mineral resources deal, which Trump wants as compensation for the aid provided to Ukraine by his predecessor, Joe Biden.
Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) near Washington, Trump said, “I’m trying to get the money back, or secured. I want them to give us something for all the money we put up. We’re asking for rare earth minerals and oil—anything we can get. We’re going to get our money back because it’s just not fair. And we will see, but I think we’re pretty close to a deal, and we better be, because this has been a horrible situation.”
Ukraine Resists U.S. Pressure
Despite U.S. efforts, a source told AFP that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was “not ready” to sign such a deal, despite growing pressure from Washington.
Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg, who recently met Zelensky, claimed the Ukrainian leader understood that an agreement with the U.S. was “critical.” However, a Ukrainian source indicated that Kyiv required more assurances before finalizing any deal.
“In its current form, the president is not ready to accept the deal. We are still working to make changes and add constructiveness,” the source said.
Ukraine insists that any agreement must include security guarantees, as the country continues to battle Russia’s nearly three-year-long invasion.
Escalating Tensions Between Trump and Zelensky
Negotiations between the U.S. and Ukraine come amid growing tensions between Trump and Zelensky. Recently, Trump referred to Zelensky as a “dictator” and urged him to “move fast” to end the war. His comments followed talks between Russian and U.S. officials in Saudi Arabia—meetings that notably excluded Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the U.S. has proposed a United Nations resolution on the Ukraine conflict, but the draft reportedly makes no mention of Kyiv’s territories currently occupied by Russia, raising concerns in Ukraine and among its European allies.
A Price Tag Ukraine Rejects
Trump has reportedly demanded “$500 billion worth” of rare earth minerals in return for U.S. aid, a figure significantly higher than the published U.S. assistance figures.
“There are no American commitments in the agreement regarding guarantees or investments. Everything about them is vague, yet they expect $500 billion from us,” the Ukrainian source said. “What kind of partnership is this? Why do we have to give $500 billion? There’s no clear answer.”
The U.S. has provided Ukraine with over $60 billion in military aid since Russia’s invasion, making it Ukraine’s largest donor. However, this amount is far below the figure Trump is citing.
According to the Kiel Institute, a German economic research organization, the U.S. contributed €114.2 billion ($119.8 billion) in financial, humanitarian, and military aid from 2022 through the end of 2024.
International Reactions and Continued Support
Despite growing tensions between Trump and Ukraine, discussions over a potential agreement remain “ongoing,” a senior Ukrainian official confirmed.
As Ukraine approaches the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion, its forces continue to struggle on the battlefield. On Saturday, Russia’s defense ministry announced the capture of Novolyubivka, a settlement in the eastern Luhansk region, which is now largely under Russian control.
Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reassured Zelensky in a phone call on Saturday of the “UK’s ironclad support for Ukraine.” In response, Zelensky praised the UK’s leadership in the war against Russia.
Starmer emphasized that it was in both Britain’s and the U.S.’s interests to “stand by Ukraine,” advocating for Kyiv’s participation in peace negotiations and “strong security guarantees so the peace will last.”
In London, thousands of people marched in support of Ukraine on Saturday, while polls suggest strong British public support for Kyiv.
France and Poland Respond
France has also pledged to enhance its defense capabilities due to threats related to the Ukraine conflict. Defense Minister Sébastien Lecornu stated that Paris is considering expanding its fleet of frigates, Rafale fighter jets, and drone production to strengthen national security.
French President Emmanuel Macron is set to meet with Trump in Washington on Monday to discuss the Ukraine conflict and other global security issues.
Separately, Trump met with Polish President Andrzej Duda at CPAC, where he praised Poland’s increased defense spending. Duda, a strong Trump supporter, said he recently urged Zelensky to “cooperate” with Trump.
UK Plans Further Sanctions Against Russia
In response to ongoing hostilities, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the UK would unveil a significant new package of sanctions against Russia on Monday.
As the war continues, the geopolitical landscape surrounding Ukraine remains tense, with mounting disagreements over financial aid, security guarantees, and diplomatic strategies.
Gill Bikram Singh