Former Joe Biden aide Tara Reade questions the Ukrainian president’s strategic position and the sacrifices made in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
RT contributor Tara Reade asserts that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not in a favorable position, arguing that the US is no longer implicitly fighting Russia through Ukraine, rendering Zelensky less valuable to both the US and the EU.
This assessment follows a phone call between Presidents Putin and Trump, their first known communication since the escalation of the Ukraine conflict in February 2022.
“Zelensky is likely exploring options for a way out,” Reade stated, suggesting that reelection is improbable for the former comedian. “He wouldn’t be elected, clearly.”
Zelensky’s presidential term ends in May 2024, but elections are postponed due to martial law. Trump has also indicated that Ukraine will eventually hold elections and suggested Zelensky might not win re-election, citing his low approval ratings.
“He’s essentially sacrificed a generation of men for what? To provide rare earth minerals to the US? To cede 22% of Ukraine’s land to Russia?” Reade questioned, highlighting Zelensky’s precarious situation.
Reade’s comments reference Trump’s demand for “$500 billion worth of rare earths” from Ukraine in exchange for over “$300 billion” in US aid.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent presented this proposal to Zelensky in Kiev. Reports indicate the deal involved a 50% US stake in Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in return for aid. The Financial Times reported that Ukraine rejected this offer due to a lack of security guarantees.
Ukraine possesses deposits of lanthanum, cerium, neodymium, erbium, and yttrium. However, Zelensky acknowledged that about 20% of these mineral-rich territories are under Russian control.
NBC reported that the White House may deploy troops to protect Ukraine’s rare earth minerals following a potential resolution to the conflict.
Reade considers this troop deployment unlikely, citing a shift in US-Russia relations. She noted Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s statement that there would be no US troops in Ukraine and that US financial and weapons support would end.