Tensions Rise as Zelenski Rejects Rare Earth Deal with Trump
Tensions Rise as Zelenski Rejects Rare Earth Deal with Trump
Dagens.com (AU)
Story by Asger Risom
24/02/2025
젤렌스키가 트럼프와의 희토류 거래를 거부함에 따라 긴장이 고조되고 있습니다.
Asger Risom의 이야기
Photo: Wikimedia Commons© Photo: Wikimedia Commons
A deepening rift between Ukraine and the United States has emerged over a controversial proposal by President Donald Trump. The U.S. is pushing for access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals—critical components in technology and defense manufacturing—in exchange for past military and economic support. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenski has firmly rejected the deal in its current form, calling the terms unacceptable.
도널드 트럼프 대통령의 논란이 되고 있는 제안으로 우크라이나와 미국 간의 갈등이 깊어지는 가운데 드러났다. 미국은 과거의 군사적, 경제적 지원을 받는 대가로 기술 및 방위 제조에 중요한 부품인 우크라이나의 희토류 광물에 대한 접근을 추진하고 있다. 그러나 볼로디미르 젤렌스키 우크라이나 대통령은 현재 형태의 협상을 단호하게 거부하며 조건을 받아들일 수 없다고 주장했다.
U.S. Demands and Ukraine’s Resistance
미국의 요구와 우크라이나의 저항
According to Digi24, Trump has been demanding compensation equivalent to $500 billion, including rights to 50% of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. This demand has been framed as repayment for U.S. assistance to Kyiv since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
A Ukrainian source, speaking anonymously, stated that Zelenski is “not prepared to accept the current proposal” and that Ukraine has submitted amendments in an effort to negotiate a fairer deal. However, U.S. officials are applying heavy pressure, with Trump’s National Security Advisor Mike Waltz insisting that Zelenski “will sign this deal soon” and that it is in Ukraine’s best interest.
디지24에 따르면 트럼프는 우크라이나 희토류 광물 50%에 대한 권리를 포함하여 5000억 달러에 상당하는 보상을 요구해 왔다. 이 요구는 2022년 러시아의 침공이 시작된 이후 키예프에 대한 미국의 지원에 대한 상환으로 구성되었습니다.
익명을 요구한 우크라이나 소식통은 젤렌스키 대통령이 "현재 제안을 받아들일 준비가 되어 있지 않다"며 우크라이나는 더 공정한 협상을 위한 노력의 일환으로 수정안을 제출했다고 밝혔다. 그러나 트럼프 행정부의 마이크 왈츠 국가안보보좌관은 젤렌스키 대통령이 "곧 이 협정에 서명할 것"이라며 우크라이나에 최선의 이익이 된다고 주장하는 등 미국 관리들은 강한 압박을 가하고 있다.
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미국의 정책 변화와 러시아의 영향력
Complicating matters further, Trump’s position on Ukraine has dramatically shifted since a February 12 phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Following the conversation, Washington signaled a new approach, effectively aligning with Moscow’s narrative that Ukraine bears responsibility for the ongoing war. This reversal has left Kyiv in a precarious position, as it now faces mounting pressure from its former staunch ally.
Zelenski, who has already rejected an earlier version of the agreement, remains adamant that he will not “sell” his country’s resources. However, he has indicated a willingness to consider American investments in Ukraine’s mining sector under different terms.
The Future of U.S.-Ukraine Relations
미국-우크라이나 관계의 미래
This standoff raises concerns about the future of Ukraine’s strategic partnerships. With Trump pivoting toward a more isolationist stance and showing signs of reconciliation with Russia, Kyiv faces increasing uncertainty regarding Western support. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s rare earth minerals remain a highly sought-after resource, and Zelenski’s resistance signals his determination to defend his nation’s sovereignty—even at the risk of alienating Washington.
As negotiations continue, the outcome of this dispute could reshape the geopolitical landscape, not just for Ukraine but for Europe and beyond.
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