Asked for 50% of Ukraine's rare minerals......

Zelensky says US asked for 50% of Ukraine's rare minerals, but he "cannot sell" his nation

From CNN's Ivana Kottasová and Kostya Gak

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky said the United States was demanding that Kyiv “give away” 50% of Ukraine’s rare minerals while offering no security guarantees in exchange.

He immediately rejected the suggestion, saying: “I cannot, I cannot sell our state. That’s all.”

US President Donald Trump said earlier this month that he wanted access to Ukraine’s mineral deposits in exchange for future aid.

Speaking to reporters in Kyiv, Zelensky gave a rundown of the conversation on minerals, saying he specifically asked for a memorandum of understanding to include “some positive things.”

He said he suggested Ukraine would promise “a percentage” of minerals if the US commits to “some guarantees.”

“I was told: ‘Only 50%’ I said no. And let the lawyers work on.”