The Trump administration pressures Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to grant the U.S. rights to mineral resources valued at hundreds of billions of dollars. Zelensky rejected the demand, calling Trump’s request not a serious conversation and refusing to sell the Ukrainian state. Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, said Ukraine should tone down the rhetoric and sign the deal, which the White House describes as an economic partnership.  Ukraine possesses significant reserves of titanium, lithium, and rare earth minerals. Zelensky has signaled a willingness to negotiate if U.S. security guarantees are included.