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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky harshly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump, stating that he "lives in a bubble of misinformation," influenced by Russian narratives.
Zelenski suggested that Trump has been swayed by the "disinformation" promoted by the Moscow government, which affects his perception of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
In a press conference held this Wednesday in Kiev, the Ukrainian president also revealed details of a controversial proposal put forward by the United States, which stated that Ukraine should hand over 50% of its natural resources without receiving any security guarantees in return.
"The document was not clear; it was only clear on one point: We were to give 50% of everything specified," Zelenski explained about a proposal delivered by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Kiev last week.
The Ukrainian president expressed his willingness to make the proposal public, although he recognized that this could affect bilateral relations. "I don't think that will help our relations," Zelensky stated.
Sources close to the document indicated that the United States is seeking access to half of Ukraine's lands and other natural resources.
Regarding this topic, Trump stated on Tuesday: "An inexperienced negotiator could have resolved this conflict years ago, without the loss of lives or the destruction of cities (...) That would have given them almost all the land and nobody would have died."
The president of the United States suggested that Ukraine should compensate for the aid received from Washington with its natural resources. Trump estimated the benefit that the U.S. should gain from these resources at $500 billion.
Zelenski refuted the figures presented by Trump, clarifying that the total cost of the war for Ukraine amounts to 320 billion dollars. Of that amount, 120 billion has been covered by Ukrainian taxpayers, while 200 billion comes from aid from the U.S. and the European Union, primarily in military assistance.
The Ukrainian president emphasized that the U.S. contribution includes $67 billion in military assistance and $31.5 billion in direct support to the Ukrainian budget.
He stressed that Ukraine appreciates the support received, but is not willing to compromise its natural resources without clear security guarantees. "Our nation is the victim in this conflict, and we cannot accept unfair conditions," Zelensky concluded.
Frequently asked questions about Zelensky's statements and the U.S. proposal.
Why does Volodymyr Zelensky claim that Donald Trump "lives in a bubble of misinformation"?
Zelensky criticizes that Trump has been influenced by Russian narratives, which affects his perception of the conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The Ukrainian president accuses Trump of not being adequately informed about the actual situation in Ukraine due to the influence of disinformation promoted by Moscow.
What controversial proposal did the United States present to Ukraine according to Zelensky?
According to Zelensky, the United States proposed that Ukraine surrender 50% of its natural resources without receiving clear security guarantees in return. This proposal was presented by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and has been criticized by the Ukrainian president for its lack of clarity and the unfair conditions it imposes.
How has Zelensky responded to the negotiations between the U.S. and Russia regarding Ukraine?
Zelenski has rejected any negotiations that do not directly include Ukraine. The Ukrainian president insists that "we cannot recognize any agreement about us without us," emphasizing that any decision regarding the conflict must involve Ukraine and its European allies.
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