“Behind… the doors… of Zelensky's office in Kyiv… tension flared regarding the future of a significant strategic alliance for Ukraine. The hoarse shouts coming from there were unmistakable,” — the publication states.
According to a source from the publication who was present, “Zelensky was extremely angry.”
As reported by FT, the conflict between Zelensky and Bessent was over the specifics of a proposal that demanded 50% rights to Ukraine's rare earth and critical minerals in exchange for $500 billion in U.S. military aid.
Ukrainian officials informed the publication that Bessent also stated that Zelensky must sign the deal immediately.
Previously, Zelensky stated that he would not sign the American aid package that “will be paid off by ten generations of Ukrainians.”
“We should not consider grants as debts, whether someone likes it or not,” he said, commenting on Washington's proposal that Kyiv should repay part of the financial support received during the war with Russia.
Zelensky also mentioned that he is ready to step down if it leads to peace and Ukraine's accession to NATO.