Macron Interrupts, Contradicts Trump On 'Getting Our Money Back' From Ukraine: "No!"

President Trump announced that Ukrainian President Zelensky may visit the Oval Office as soon as this week to sign a "final deal" on rare earth minerals access. Trump stated that the deal is being worked on and that they are getting close to an agreement where the US will get its money back over time. The deal is reportedly worth $500 billion, which Trump claims is owed to the US for years of heavy weapons and funds sent to Kiev. However, Zelensky has rejected the concept of 'repaying' Washington for its aid. A draft agreement obtained by Axios suggests that the US will provide a long-term financial commitment to Ukraine's development in exchange for access to its rare earth minerals. The deal has been met with resistance from Zelensky, who sees it as selling off Ukraine's economic sovereignty. Ukrainian officials and European partners have also expressed concerns that the deal offers no clear security guarantees or future aid in return. Despite this, Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olga Stefanishyna stated that negotiations are in the final stages and a deal could be signed soon. The deal is expected to commit to a "free, sovereign and secure" Ukraine and achieving a "lasting peace". Zelensky has expressed concerns that the deal will burden future generations of Ukrainians with debt.