Trump administration explores simplified minerals deal with Ukraine after proposal rejection

The Trump administration is considering a simplified minerals deal with Ukraine to quickly establish an agreement, following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's rejection of a previous proposal that would have given the U.S. 50% of Ukraine's critical minerals. U.S. envoy Keith Kellogg is in Kyiv to discuss the new deal's terms. Zelenskiy emphasized the importance of constructive cooperation with the U.S. amid growing tensions between the two leaders. Trump aims to signal to Americans that U.S. aid to Ukraine can be recouped through mineral concessions worth $500 billion. The original proposal was criticized for prioritizing U.S. interests without providing security guarantees for Ukraine.