Zelenskyy Rejects U.S. Mineral Agreement as Transatlantic Tensions Rise at Munich Security Conference
During the Munich Security Conference, Zelenskyy dismissed a U.S. mineral access proposal, citing a lack of security guarantees, amid rising tensions with European allies.
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Trump's comments came shortly after a "Meet the Press" interview with Zelenskyy aired on NBC, in which the Ukrainian leader discussed Putin and claimed that he "fears" Trump.
Trump addresses Ukraine-Russia peace talks, says Zelenskyy will be involved
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The news comes after Mr. Trump disclosed that he held separate phone calls last week with Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Rubio to meet with Russian officials to discuss Ukraine peace negotiations
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Narendra Modi’s frosty reception at the White House should make India’s jittery market more nervous, Andy Mukherjee writes.
Europe Eyes Defense Spending Revamp as US Shuts Security Umbrella
Bloomberg·3M·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.There is some debate inside the administration about its developing approach to Moscow, with some more in favor of a rapid rapprochement and others wary that Putin is looking to fray the Euro-Atlantic alliance as he aims to reclaim Russian status and wield greater influence on the continent, according to the U.S. official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Ukraine and Europe worry about being sidelined as Trump pushes direct talks with Russia on war's end
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In a handful of days, a number of Trump's most prominent officials laid out the U.S.'s new foreign policy agenda.
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The separate meetings follow a turbulent week where Washington has signalled a drastic change in its approach to the war in Ukraine.
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Against that backdrop, administration officials made the case on Sunday that it’s time for all sides to accept the reality of the Russia-Ukraine war.
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While Zelenskyy seemed unequivocal about his nation having a say in how the conflict ends, President Donald Trump’s Ukraine envoy, Keith Kellogg, said that European leaders’ chance to control negotiations had passed.
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After looking to America as its ally for decades, many leaders and officials wondered whether Europe’s security was crumbling in front of their eyes.
Donald Trump’s assault on Europe
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There is a great deal of concern about the U.S. position on Ukraine.
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It's great to see the highest levels of American government defending THESE values in places that increasingly need it the most.
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The fear for Europeans is not now simply that Americans are preparing to negotiate without them but that they are preparing to negotiate badly without them.
An isolated Europe worries the US will negotiate on Ukraine badly without it
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European leaders are divided in their response to Trump’s initiatives, with some predicting the opening of a fundamental rupture between Washington and Europe, and others arguing that if Europe can fulfil the US demand to improve its security offer then the transatlantic relationship can be repaired and Europe will find a place at the table on the future of Ukraine.
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Rubio blasted a notion that Vance was out of line by telling US allies their biggest threat came not from Russia but from "within."
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Throughout Europe, officials are now looking to recalibrate their approach in the face of the Trump administration's unfolding Ukraine strategy.
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Zelenskyy implored Trump to approach his conversations with Putin and other Russian leaders while maintaining loyalty to Ukraine.
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The risk that Russia will occupy Europe is 100%.
Zelensky says Ukraine has ‘low chance’ of survival without US support — and insists he trusts Trump
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Zelenskyy cautioned against trusting his wartime adversary, though, telling NBC he does not believe Putin is capable of negotiating in good faith.
Zelenskyy says US support is 'critical' for Ukraine' survival, calls Putin 'scared' of Trump
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The purpose of the meeting is to discuss what immediate help can be given to Ukraine and the role Europe can play in providing both security guarantees to Kyiv and Europe at large.
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While the EU would struggle to emerge as a superpower on the world stage, its dependence on the US is unsustainable.
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This is such an extreme pro-Putin and anti-democracy position that Britain’s prime minister and politicians across Europe are calling it out, worried that Trump is quite literally walking that continent toward war with Russia.
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The existing U.S. proposal centers on the use of Ukraine's rare earth minerals "as compensation" for funding already provided by the Biden administration, as well as payment for future support, the Associated Press reported current and former senior Ukrainian officials as saying Saturday.
U.S. and Ukraine could still secure minerals deal that is 'positive' for both sides, officials say
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Europe is recalibrating its relationship with the United States.
Munich Security Conference shows what U.S.-Europe relations will be like under Trump
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Picking fights with longtime friends instead of working with them against shared adversaries is a recipe for American weakness and global instability, but it might make Donald Trump and his friends feel big and give them more opportunities for corruption.
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Zelenskyy’s decision to reject a deal, at least for now, was described as “short-sighted” by a senior White House official.
US presented Ukraine with a document to access its minerals but offered almost nothing in return
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The leaders will "in a very serious fashion" address the challenges European nations face during President Donald Trump's second term.
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Leaders throughout Europe have reacted to the Trump administration’s recent comments on Ukraine.
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More to the point, can they afford the necessary investments in their security infrastructure?
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Vance was the highest-ranking U.S. official to ever meet with the leader of the AfD, which is seen as the most extreme of Europe's far-right parties.
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The problem with that is that none of this is funny, none of this is comical.
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For all its criticisms of Democrats' and neoconservatives' foreign adventurism, the 'America First' movement turns out to have plenty of crusades it wants to pursue abroad.
J.D. Vance brings the culture war to Europe: ‘There is a new sheriff in town’
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America put Europe on notice that there will be a new agenda, one that listens to its citizens, protects their rights, and promotes Western Civilization over globalist tyranny.
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Europe has been caught in a frenzy of warmongering, essentially.
Critics Warn of Rising European Fascism as Security Conference Begins in Germany
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Summary
At the Munich Security Conference, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz strongly defended Europe's democratic integrity against U.S. Vice President JD Vance's criticisms. Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy declined to sign a U.S. proposal granting access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, stating it prioritized American interests without offering adequate security guarantees. This decision drew criticism from some U.S. officials as 'short-sighted.' Scholz's remarks were made ahead of pivotal elections in Germany amid growing discontent over U.S. foreign policy shifts under Trump, highlighting an emerging rift between European leaders and the U.S. regarding Ukraine’s future and security assurances.
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