U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz has urged Ukrainian leaders to sign a controversial mineral resources agreement following heated exchanges between Presidents Trump and Zelenskyy. This development coincides with Russia’s largest overnight drone assault in three months, targeting critical energy infrastructure.
Trump’s administration intensified pressure on Kyiv after excluding Ukraine from ongoing U.S.-Russia negotiations in Saudi Arabia. Waltz stated:
We presented Ukraine an historic opportunity to partner with America on economic development and security guarantees far beyond military aid.
The proposal faces resistance as Zelenskyy warned about Russian disinformation influencing Western leadership and vowed not to accept deals negotiated without Ukrainian participation. Russia’s recent military actions complicate matters:
- 161 drones launched overnight – Ukraine intercepted 80
- 14 missiles targeting gas production facilities
- Energy Minister Galushchenko condemns energy terrorism affecting civilian heating
Moscow defended its strikes as targeting military-industrial complex support systems, while Ukraine continues drone counterattacks on Russian oil infrastructure. With Trump envoy Keith Kellogg currently in Kyiv, discussions focus on balancing:
- Mineral access agreements
- Ceasefire negotiations
- Ukraine’s sovereignty concerns
Zelenskyy marked the 11th anniversary of the Maidan Revolution by emphasizing global unity against Russian aggression, even as domestic approval ratings face unverified attacks from Washington. The White House maintains that economic partnership through the mineral resources deal offers Ukraine’s sustainable path to security – a proposition met with skepticism in European capitals.
