Bogot¡: The Colombian president on Wednesday criticized Ukraine's reported plan to sign a deal allocating a portion of the country's precious metal revenues to the US, calling its President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's "stupidity."

According to Anadolu Agency, Gustavo Petro expressed his disapproval on X, stating that Zelenskyy was allowing himself to be manipulated by Western Europeans. Petro's statement suggested a strong critique of Ukraine's potential alignment with the US, questioning the motivations and direction of European influence. He emphasized that this move could result in Ukraine being under American influence.

On February 3, US President Donald Trump indicated Washington's interest in acquiring rare earth minerals from Ukraine. Trump highlighted the importance of ending the war in Ukraine and noted that ongoing US support for Kyiv should yield reciprocal benefits.

Trump mentioned that Zelenskyy's visit to the US is anticipated on Friday, showing an openness to meet amid ongoing negotiations over a critical minerals deal. The US president remarked on the significance of the agreement, which could potentially involve Ukraine sharing a portion of its critical mineral revenues with the US.

The agreement has been described as potentially worth trillions and is seen as a substantial negotiation point as the US continues its financial support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. Trump expressed a desire to finalize the deal, emphasizing the financial implications and the need for a resolution to the war.

Negotiations over the agreement continue as Ukraine has yet to sign, with major sticking points including security guarantees and the extent of mineral rights exchange in relation to US military aid.