Source: "European Truth" citing an interview with Rubio by journalist Catherine Herridge, published by the U.S. State Department.
Details: When asked about his thoughts on Trump calling Zelensky a "dictator without elections," Rubio replied that "Trump was very upset with President Zelensky," particularly due to the lack of gratitude for American assistance and the refusal to sign an agreement on Ukrainian natural resources.
Direct quote from the Secretary of State: "We had a conversation with President Zelensky... We discussed the issue of mineral rights and explained to them: 'Listen, we want to be in a joint venture with you – not because we are trying to steal from your country, but because we believe it is a security guarantee.'
Details: According to him, Zelensky expressed a desire to finalize this agreement but added that it "needs to go through the legislative process."
"Two days later, I read that Zelensky stated: I rejected the agreement, I told them that there was no way we would do this. But at that meeting, it was not like that. So you start to get frustrated about what someone says," Rubio said.
He noted that he would like to see "some level of gratitude" for the care from the U.S., rather than accusations from Trump that he "lives in a world of disinformation."
Rubio called such comments from Zelensky "very counterproductive."
He is also convinced that Trump is ready to work towards achieving peace, "because he cares about the fate of Ukraine."
"And he hopes that Zelensky will be a partner in this matter, rather than someone who responds with messages, trying to confuse us. That will not be productive," Rubio concluded.
Background:
- According to media reports, the Donald Trump administration initially offered Ukraine to grant the U.S. 50% ownership of the country's rare earth minerals, however, President Volodymyr Zelensky refused to sign the document.
- This led to sharp statements from Trump in recent days, who specifically called Zelensky a "dictator without elections".
- At the same time, it was recently revealed that the U.S. has provided Ukraine with a new version of the agreement on mineral development, which takes into account some of Kyiv's comments and has a better chance of being finalized.
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