U.S. Opposes Inclusion of Security Guarantees in Rare Earth Agreement With Ukraine, CNN Reports

The United States is resisting Ukraine’s proposal to include security guarantees in an agreement on rare earth minerals, according to CNN.

The issue remains under discussion, with Kyiv hoping to address it during an upcoming meeting between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and U.S. President Donald Trump.

A Ukrainian source cited by CNN stated that key contentious points had been removed from the draft agreement. However, the source emphasized that “the U.S. side strongly opposes the inclusion of security guarantees.”

Ukraine has finalized its proposal, refining the draft to ensure the terms are acceptable. “This is a framework agreement focused on the establishment of a fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction, with a separate agreement outlining its operational mechanisms,” the source added.

Kyiv is seeking to organize a signing ceremony where the security guarantees issue could be addressed at the presidential level. “We are waiting for a response from the U.S. side,” the source concluded.

Earlier, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected any agreement that would leave Ukraine owing the United States $500 billion, stating that previous U.S. assistance was provided as a grant, not a loan.

Speaking at the “Ukraine. Year 2025” forum in Kyiv, he emphasized that he would not sign a deal that burdens future generations with debt.

Zelenskyy pointed out that his original agreement with President Joe Biden classified the aid as non-repayable. “A grant is not a debt,” he stated, refusing to recognize the $100 billion Ukraine received as an obligation.

He also criticized a clause in a proposed agreement that would require Ukraine to return twice the amount received, calling it unfair and questioning why Kyiv is subjected to stricter financial conditions than Israel or Qatar.

Additionally, Zelenskyy reiterated that he would not sign any agreement that forces future generations of Ukrainians to bear the financial burden. “I won’t sign something that ten generations of Ukrainians will have to repay,” he stated, adding that partnerships should be based on mutual respect, not financial pressure.