Bangladesh, Feb. 18 -- Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky has rejected a high-stakes proposal from the United States that would have granted Washington extensive access to Ukraines rare earth mineral reserves in exchange for continued military aid. According to reports from The Economist and Financial Times, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent presented the deal to Zelensky during his visit to Kiev last week, giving the Ukrainian leader just an hour to decide. The proposal, which has sparked controversy in both Ukraine and Russia, underscores the growing geopolitical tension surrounding Ukraines natural resources and Washingtons strategic interests in the region.

The US has provided Ukraine with more than $300 billion in military and ...