Zelenskyy rejects Trump's minerals deal

Let's begin with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's refusal of the Trump administration's critical minerals deal.

Sure. The proposal, suggesting that the United States take a 50% stake in Ukraine's vast critical mineral resources, was declined by President Zelenskyy, citing a lack of security provisions.

On Saturday, Zelenskyy said the draft minerals deal with Washington did not include any security guarantees, and emphasized that any such agreement must include robust security assurances to protect Ukraine's sovereignty and deter further aggression from Russia.

The U.S. proposal was presented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Kyiv on February 12 and aims to secure half of Ukraine's rare earth mineral rights, as compensation for past military and financial aid as well as payment for future assistance.

Trump has previously said he wanted 500 billion U.S. dollars worth of critical minerals from Ukraine to reduce dependence on China for rare earth materials.