Zelenskyy rejects U.S. offer for Ukraine's mineral resources in military aid deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declined a U.S. offer to exchange half of Ukraine's mineral resources for military aid. He emphasized a partnership approach, stating, “Help us defend this, and we will make money on this together.” Ukraine is rich in critical minerals like lithium and cobalt, with 20,000 deposits identified. The U.S. sees potential in these resources to strengthen its supply chains and reduce reliance on countries like China. The U.S. and EU aim to leverage Ukraine's mineral wealth to support their economies and aid Ukraine's recovery after the ongoing conflict with Russia.