Former US President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky over an alleged attempt to withdraw from a critical minerals agreement.
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump claimed that Zelensky was seeking to back out of the deal and cautioned that doing so could have serious consequences.
“He’s trying to back out of the rare earth deal, and if he does that, he’s got some problems—big, big problems,” Trump stated.
While the specifics of the deal in question remain unclear, rare earth minerals are crucial for various industries, including defence, technology, and renewable energy. Ukraine, known for its natural resource wealth, has become an important player in the global supply chain for these materials.
Trump’s remarks suggest potential geopolitical tensions surrounding Ukraine’s resource agreements, particularly amid ongoing conflicts and economic challenges. However, there has been no official confirmation from Zelensky’s administration regarding any intention to abandon the deal.
The situation raises questions about the broader implications for US-Ukraine relations and the strategic interests tied to critical mineral supply chains. It remains to be seen whether Zelensky will respond to Trump’s warning or clarify Ukraine’s stance on the agreement.
Melissa Enoch
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