Zelenskyy rejects US proposal for ownership of Ukraine's critical minerals

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected a U.S. proposal to take ownership of 50% of Ukraine's critical minerals as part of military and economic aid. He stated the offer lacked necessary security provisions. Ukraine possesses significant reserves of critical minerals, including lithium and rare earth elements, essential for technology and green energy. However, ongoing conflict has resulted in Russia controlling about 20% of Ukraine's territory, impacting mineral access. The U.S. seeks these minerals to reduce reliance on China, which dominates global processing. The competition for critical minerals is intensifying as demand rises for technologies related to clean energy and advanced electronics.