Donald Trump and his administration have attacked Ukraine’s president for a week. Zelensky agreed to resign if it brings peace or Ukraine’s NATO membership. The Americans demand elections, accusing him of usurping power, corruption, and inciting war with Russia. Meanwhile, Trump is aligning with Putin as their teams negotiate an end to the war without Ukraine.
RARE EARTH METALS DEAL:
Criticism of Zelensky centers on his refusal to sign a rare earth metals deal. Under Trump’s plan, Ukraine would have handed over half its natural resources to the US. His refusal now forces even harsher terms—conditions likened to reparations—with no clear benefit for Kyiv.
OVERVIEW:
Russia wages war on Ukraine while the US imposes oppressive conditions. Can Kyiv extricate itself? Why are rare earth metals so crucial to the US? This analysis examines the situation, US pressure, and the risks Ukraine faces if the deal goes through.
TRUMP’S DEMANDS:
Trump calls for repayment of a debt previously unknown to Ukraine. On the front, Zelensky faces humiliation and the threat of overthrow, while even American opposition stands to benefit.
UKRAINE’S DILEMMA:
Ukrainian leadership now faces a dramatic choice between two evils. Global reactions to Trump’s harsh rhetoric range from alarm to schadenfreude. On February 23—a day before a war anniversary—Zelensky agreed to resign, insisting elections occur only after martial law ends.
CONDITIONAL RESIGNATION:
“If it means peace for Ukraine, I’m ready to step down. Alternatively, we could exchange my post for NATO membership—immediately,” Zelensky declared, emphasizing a focus on Ukraine’s current security over future ambitions.
TRUMP’S RANT & TIMELINE:
Following a talk with Putin, Trump demanded Ukrainian elections. His public attacks escalated on February 18, after Moscow-Washington talks in Saudi Arabia—which excluded Ukraine and Europe. He soon claimed Zelensky’s approval rating was a mere 4%, an assertion not supported by polls.
CRITIQUE & STRATEGY:
Trump later labeled Zelensky a dictator without elections and warned he risks “being left without a country.” Some argue that by pushing for elections during wartime, Trump aims to weaken Zelensky’s position, though its effect remains uncertain. Meanwhile, many European leaders affirm Zelensky’s legitimacy.
EXPERT INSIGHTS:
Ukrainian political scientist Vladimir Fisenko, head of the Center for Applied Political Studies PENTA, noted that European leaders—having faced similar attacks—are wary of future moves.
WAR EXPENDITURE CONTROVERSY:
Trump described Zelensky as a comedian who misled America into spending $350 billion on an unwinnable war—a sum $200 billion higher than Europe’s contribution. This discrepancy raises questions about why Biden did not insist on fairer cost-sharing.
PUBLIC REACTION:
Despite Trump’s claims, Zelensky’s defense only intensified criticism. On February 19, he argued that Trump is misled by Russian disinformation, while over 50% of Ukrainians support him. A recent poll indicated 57% trust in Zelensky.
MILITARY AID DISPUTE:
At a Kyiv briefing on February 19, Zelensky challenged Trump’s figures by stating that Ukraine spent $320 billion on the war—$120 billion from its taxpayers and $200 billion from European and US aid—in contrast to Trump’s claim of $350 billion solely from the US.
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Military Expenses and Aid
The war cost $320 billion: $120 billion from Ukrainian taxpayers, $200 billion from the US and EU. This includes a $320 billion weapons package—about $60 billion from the US plus an extra $31.5 billion, totaling $67 billion in arms and $31.5 billion in direct budget aid.
Criticism from the Vice President
US Vice President JD Vance criticized Zelensky for arguing with Trump and advised him not to defy the new US administration.
Inappropriate Approach to Interaction
The idea that Zelensky can change the president’s mind by “throwing mud” in the media is seen as a terrible method (February 19, 2025).
Reaction of the US Administration
Direct confrontation with Trump is futile. After public warnings against engaging him, Trump reacted sharply, and his staff defended him—a level of personality cult and party control unseen in a century.
Zelensky Mocked
On February 21, Trump mocked Zelensky’s displeasure over not being invited to Saudi negotiations, claiming Ukraine’s presence there is unimportant and that Zelensky and Biden could easily have dissuaded Putin—if not, Zelensky is a poor negotiator.
Critique of Meetings with Biden
Trump claimed that three years of meetings with Joe Biden produced nothing, so Zelensky’s participation is insignificant (February 21, 2025).
Accusations of Inciting War
Trump nearly accused Zelensky of sparking the war with Russia, asserting that the conflict was provoked while the Kremlin merely defended itself.
Accusations Against Opponents
Fake media attacks intensify when misstatements are made by Biden and Zelensky—yet, according to Trump, Russia could have been easily dissuaded (February 21, 2025).
Colonial Dictatorship
These are colonial agreements—a form of dictatorship that forces any politician signing them to condemn his own country.
Expert Opinion from Lipsitz
Igor Lipsitz, a Russian economist and professor at the Higher School of Economics (2001–2023), specializing in investment analysis and pricing, shared his view.
Zelensky Under Pressure
The aim is to abandon Zelensky and force him into a situation where he is bound to lose.
Lack of Trump Cards
Trump asserts that Zelensky has no negotiating cards with Russia and that his opinion holds little weight, regardless of his presidential status.
Lack of Strategy
Having observed Zelensky for years, Trump claims he negotiates without any hidden cards—a fact he finds nauseating and tiresome (February 21, 2025).
Escalation Over the Rare Earth Deal
US–Ukraine relations deteriorated within a week due to Zelensky’s refusal to sign the rare earth metals deal. Trump insists on the deal while Zelensky resists.
Shifting Foreign Policy Priorities
US foreign policy is shifting radically. Money now takes precedence over values. The elimination of USAID and the US International Agency marks a complete rejection of a value-based approach in favor of material gain.
Proposal for Rare Earth Metals and Negotiations
Zelensky was the first to propose rare earth metals extraction in Ukraine. Last September, he presented his updated victory plan to Trump. Officially announced on October 16, 2024, in the Verkhovna Rada, the plan had five points: Ukraine joining NATO, strengthening its army, deploying strategic weapons to deter Russia, joint investments to leverage the country’s economic potential, and replacing US troops in Europe with Ukrainian forces for NATO enhancement. Sources indicate Trump was interested only in the last two points—access to Ukrainian resources and replacing American troops. On February 12, Trump called Putin and Zelensky to discuss peace negotiations and the revision of a partnership memorandum to be presented at a Munich conference. Ukraine complied, and the US side reportedly asked for time until 5:00 PM on February 14 to work on it. Ultimately, the Trump administration rejected the Ukrainian proposal and offered far harsher terms than Kyiv anticipated.
US Demands and Colonial Agreement
In the latest version circulating in the news, the Americans demand 100%—not just 50% but the full share. This is a colonial agreement: they seize the resource deposit, station their colonial troops around it, and take everything extracted from your land, while you receive nothing.
Ultimatum and Pressure on Zelensky
Earlier signs of tougher terms emerged. On February 12, US Treasury Secretary Scott Besson visited Kyiv. A week later, Trump publicly accused Zelensky of missing a meeting and clashing rudely with the Finance Minister. Although the Ukrainian President’s Office released a photo with Besson to refute these claims, it did not help. NBC later revealed that the Treasury Secretary essentially presented Zelensky with an ultimatum: either sign the document within an hour or cancel his meetings with Secretary Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance. Stunned, Zelensky said he needed time to review the proposal and ultimately did not sign the document, though subsequent meetings with US officials were held.
Uncertainty and Leaks About the Deal
The exact content of this deal remains unknown, based solely on public statements and leaked information. If Ukraine agrees to something it did not help develop, a draft agreement—agreed upon by Trump and Putin—may soon arrive with a similar “sign it” demand. This represents another unpleasant consequence of signing the deal, though not signing it could also expose Ukraine to enormous risks.
Deal Terms and US Justifications
This version of the agreement would require Ukraine to grant American companies priority access to its rare earth metals extraction and to forgo half the profits from their export. The US justified these demands by arguing that Ukraine must repay the enormous military aid already provided by America. Trump explicitly stated that Washington invested huge sums in Ukraine, so Kyiv must return its debt. Notably, media reports indicate the document offered no security guarantees from the US—only obligations on Ukraine’s part.
Zelensky’s Rejection and the Need for Parliamentary Approval
At the Munich Security Conference on February 14, the Ukrainian President again refused to sign the agreement, stating, “I did not consent to sign the agreement because it isn’t ready yet.” He cited the need for parliamentary approval—logical for Ukraine as a parliamentary-presidential republic. This refusal infuriated Trump, though Zelensky remained comparatively composed.
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Zelensky’s Firm Stance and Respectful Tone
Zelensky has demonstrated that he cannot and does not intend to immediately sign any agreement dictated by Donald Trump. Despite his firm stance, he maintained respect for the American president and people, emphasizing his respect for the American public’s choice and showing that he has grown much thicker-skinned as a result.
Final Rejection and Escalating Backlash
By February 15, Zelensky definitively rejected the deal as offered by the Americans. Three days later, on February 18, he expressed outrage that Ukraine was not invited to discuss its future at Veriad—a move that completely enraged Trump. Trump then unleashed his full political might, launching the same outrageous accusations and warning that it is unwise to argue with him.
Reaction: An Oppressive Deal
This response is a direct reaction to Zelensky’s refusal to sign the agreement. As described by The Telegraph, the deal is oppressive—imposing reparations worse than what Germany once paid to the victorious nations. According to Trump, it is indeed an oppressive agreement.
New, Harsher Document and Additional Demands
On February 21, a new version of the document was delivered to Kyiv, even harsher than the original American proposal that Zelensky had already rejected. According to American media, the revised deal now includes not only rare earth metals but also oil, gas, and revenues from ports and infrastructure. Bloomberg reports that the new version demands the creation of a special fund controlled by the Americans. Ukrainian resource revenues are to be deposited into this fund until it reaches $500 billion, with Ukraine contributing two-thirds and the US one-third. Additionally, if Ukraine reclaims territories currently controlled by Russia, 66% of the revenues from those lands must also go into this American fund.
Retroactive Debt Demands
Trump is now demanding the repayment of a debt that Ukraine was previously unaware of—effectively retroactively calling for the return of funds allocated without his involvement, a decision not originally made by him.
Colonial Exploitation and Criticism
This oppressive, colonial-style deal essentially seizes everything available. It is no longer a mutual agreement between countries but an imposed, one-sided contract. If Ukraine agrees, America gains a pretext to “help” Ukraine, while Zelensky faces domestic criticism for allegedly selling out the nation’s natural wealth.
Escalating Revenue Sharing Demands
Initially, the demand was for 50% of revenues from natural resources; later, it escalated to 100% until the fund reaches $500 billion, according to Trump. This figure far exceeds Ukraine’s annual revenues from natural resources, which various agencies estimated at around one billion dollars per year before the full-scale invasion.
Lack of Guarantees and Valuation Concerns
Bloomberg sources report that Ukraine refused to share its resources with the US due to the absence of guarantees for future military and financial aid. The second version of the document still lacked such assurances. The Americans did not assume these obligations but instead demanded minerals valued by Trump at $500 billion—a figure that raises questions. Global production of these elements is estimated at only $15 billion per year, meaning Ukraine would need to produce one-fifth of the world’s rare earths for 150 years to meet that value. Moreover, Ukraine might simply not possess genuinely valuable resources.
Doubts About Ukraine’s Rare Earth Reserves
Bloomberg asserts that Trump’s idea of profiting from Ukrainian rare earth metals is a misconception and foolish. Ukraine is scorched earth—and what it certainly lacks are rare earth metals. Surprisingly, many, including President Trump, believe otherwise, which is absurd, according to Bloomberg journalist Javier Blas.
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Speculation and Zelensky’s Limited Options
Claims of vast reserves that could yield enormous profits are nothing more than political speculation aimed solely at cornering Zelensky. He understands that he needs to offer something to the West so they will defend Ukraine. Yet, he cannot offer coal, a ruined steel industry, or wheat—Ukraine as Europe’s granary. With limited options, he desperately proposes rare earth elements, even though he does not truly know their extent.
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