U.S. Secretary of State Rubio: Zelensky’s Reversal on Mineral Agreement Angers Us | WPN World People News

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in a recent interview that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky had gone back and forth on the mineral agreement, expressing frustration over Ukraine’s refusal to sign the deal.

On February 18, the United States and Russia held talks in Saudi Arabia without inviting Ukraine or its European allies to participate. Following the negotiations, tensions escalated as Zelensky and former President Donald Trump engaged in a public war of words through press conferences and social media. Trump accused Ukraine of being responsible for the war, even suggesting that Ukraine had started it. In response, Kyiv fired back, claiming that Trump was surrounded by misinformation. Trump then countered by calling Zelensky an unelected dictator, further escalating tensions. The talks between Trump and Moscow have unsettled Kyiv and its European supporters, who fear that the negotiations could result in a resolution with terms unacceptable to Ukraine.

During a media interview, Rubio defended the Trump administration’s criticism of Zelensky, noting that Trump’s predecessor, Joe Biden, had also been "disappointed" with the Ukrainian leader. Rubio claimed that instead of expressing gratitude for U.S. assistance, Zelensky frequently complained about what Ukraine had not received, frustrating senior Trump officials.

Trump has sought to rebuild relations with Russia and has demanded that Ukraine sign a rare mineral resource agreement, granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare metals and minerals. However, Kyiv rejected the initial proposal, as the U.S. had not provided security guarantees and appeared to be making concessions on territorial and border issues.

Following U.S. threats to cut military aid, Ukraine appeared to soften its stance. After meeting with Trump’s envoy on February 20, Zelensky stated that Ukraine was working to reach a "strong and beneficial" investment and security agreement with the U.S.

Trump has previously criticized Ukraine, arguing that despite receiving hundreds of billions of dollars in aid from the U.S., Kyiv has offered nothing in return. He also accused European allies of contributing far less than the U.S. The Trump administration has signaled a desire to end the Russia-Ukraine war as soon as possible, raising concerns among European allies. French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to visit the U.S. soon, vowing to urge Trump not to show weakness to Putin, warning that doing so could embolden China to invade Taiwan.

Amid the war, Ukraine has suspended its presidential election, prompting Trump to mock Zelensky as an unelected leader. Trump further claimed that Zelensky's approval rating was in the single digits. While European and Japanese officials have voiced support for Zelensky’s legitimacy, tensions between the U.S. and Ukraine continue to rise, leading to concerns that Trump may abandon Ukraine, potentially destabilizing global security.