US Accused of Blackmailing Ukraine Over Mineral Deal
Behind-the-scenes at the Munich Security Conference, the US pressured Ukraine to immediately sign a proposed mineral resources deal in exchange for a meeting with Vice President JD Vance, threatening to cancel the meeting otherwise. Kyiv refused to sign the US’s proposed version of the agreement, rejecting proposed amendments. Despite this refusal, the meeting proceeded as planned after the US dropped its demand. The initial US request was interpreted by Ukraine as a figurative expression of urgency, but proved to be a literal precondition for the meeting. Zelenskyy’s refusal to sign under pressure ultimately led to constructive dialogue.
John Q. Hosedrinker