11.03.2025 22:40
After Ukraine accepted a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, the first statement came from U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump said, "I hope Russia accepts the ceasefire. I will invite Zelensky to the White House."
```html
After the meetings between the delegations of the USA and Ukraine held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, a result was announced. According to a joint statement from the two delegations, Ukraine stated that it is ready to accept the USA's proposal for a "30-day temporary and urgent ceasefire."
TRUMP: I WILL CALL ZELENSKY BACK TO THE WHITE HOUSE
Following the agreement, the first statement came from US President Donald Trump. Trump said, "I will invite Zelensky back to the White House. I hope Russia accepts the ceasefire."
THE FIGHT AT THE WHITE HOUSE
A long discussion took place between Trump and Zelensky during the Q&A session in the Oval Office, where Trump told Zelensky, "You either sign this agreement or we are out. We are trying to solve a problem. Don't tell us how to feel. You are gambling with World War III, and what you are doing is disrespectful to our country. We are trying to solve a problem. Don't tell us how to feel because you are not in a position to dictate that."
As the argument between the two continued, Trump stated, "Your country is in big trouble. You know that. You are disrespecting our country; I know you cannot win without us."
Zelensky, on the other hand, noted that the current text for the rare earth elements agreement they would make with the USA was "insufficient," stating, "We will never accept just a ceasefire. We will not act without security guarantees." After a long discussion in front of the cameras, the meeting ended, and later Trump announced on his Truth Social account that the planned joint press conference had been canceled. After the cancellation of the joint press conference and the signing ceremony of the agreement, Zelensky left the White House.
WHAT ARE UKRAINE'S RARE EARTH ELEMENTS?
Ukraine has one of the largest critical mineral deposits in Europe, and a significant portion of these resources remains unprocessed. According to the Ukrainian Geological Institute, the country has rare earth elements such as lanthanum and cerium used in televisions and lighting, neodymium used in wind turbines and electric vehicle batteries, and erbium and yttrium, which are used in nuclear energy and laser technology and have a larger usage capacity.
According to a report by Independent, research funded by the EU shows that Ukraine also has scandium reserves, but this data is kept confidential.
Zelensky has been striving to develop these resources for years. According to Forbes Ukraine, which Independent based its report on, the total value of Ukraine's mineral resources exceeds £12 trillion ($15 trillion).
In 2021, Zelensky offered tax reductions and investment rights to foreign investors to extract these minerals. However, these efforts were put on hold due to the war that began in 2022.
53% IN THE REGION ANNEXED BY RUSSIA
Approximately $7.5 trillion worth of Ukraine's mineral resources, which is 53% of the country's total reserves, are located in the four regions (Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhia, and Kherson) annexed by Russia. However, Kherson does not have much mineral value. The Crimean Peninsula, which was occupied in 2014, has minerals worth £165 billion (approximately $209 billion).
```