Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected U.S. pressure to sign a $500bn minerals deal, stating that the sum was far higher than the U.S.’s actual military contribution of $100bn.

He criticized the financial terms, including the demand for Ukraine to repay $2 for every $1 of military aid, which was not applied to other countries like Israel or Saudi Arabia.

Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of Ukraine’s sovereignty and security guarantees from the U.S. to prevent future Russian violations, The Guardian has reported.

He also addressed Trump’s criticism, calling it part of a Russian disinformation campaign, and stated that any peace deal must include Ukraine’s participation.

Written by B.C. Begley