The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, decided to postpone the signing of an important agreement on cooperation with the United States in the field of mineral extraction and processing. The New York Times reports , this decision was made as part of the Ukrainian authorities' attempts to improve relations with the 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 at its disposal deposits of 20 of the most important minerals, such as cobalt and graphite, the reserves of which are estimated at 11.5 trillion dollars. The country is home to a third of Europe's proven lithium reserves, a key material for batteries that could be of interest to Trump ally Elon Musk's electric car business. Kyiv planned to sign the most important agreement on cooperation in the field of mining and processing of minerals with the Biden administration. But then he postponed the signing twice - a signal that Kyiv may be waiting for Trump to take office in order to present the agreement as a victory for his administration," the article reads.
At the same time, the publication notes that many people in Ukraine hope that Trump will be able to fulfill his promise and quickly end the war.
A recent poll 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 Kyiv coffee bars named after Trump - patrons said they wanted him to fulfill his campaign promise. "I hope that Trump will do what he promised - to bring peace to Ukraine," says 25-year-old Yulia, 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 return home," the newspaper reported.
