Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has decided to postpone the signing of a major agreement with the United States on cooperation in the extraction and processing of minerals. The New York Times that the decision was made as part of the Ukrainian authorities' attempts to improve relations with US President-elect Donald Trump.
The publication writes that Ukrainian officials are trying to lure Trump, knowing his business approach, and telling him that Ukraine is rich in natural resources.
“Ukraine has deposits of 20 key minerals, such as cobalt and graphite, with reserves estimated at $11.5 trillion. The country is home to a third of Europe’s proven reserves of lithium, a key material for batteries that could be of interest to the electric car business of Elon Musk, an ally of Trump. Kyiv had planned to sign a major mining and processing cooperation agreement with the Biden administration. But it then postponed the signing twice, signaling that Kyiv may be waiting for Trump to take office to present the deal as a victory for his administration,” the article says.
At the same time, the publication notes that many in Ukraine are pinning their hopes on Trump, that he will be able to fulfill his promise and quickly end the war.
A recent poll conducted by the New Europe Center found that 44% of Ukrainians trust Trump, higher than in any other European country, including Trump-friendly Hungary.
“At the Trump White coffee bar – one of at least two Kiev cafes named after Trump – patrons said they wanted him to fulfill his campaign promise. “I hope Trump does what he promised – that there will be peace in Ukraine,” says Yulia, 25, a real estate agent. “This is the main desire of Ukrainians. I have friends who died and friends who are still fighting. My boyfriend is fighting. I want them all to come home,” the publication reports.
