Washington, Feb 21 (NationPress) US National Security Adviser Mike Waltz urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to "soften" its position and revisit discussions regarding a minerals agreement with the US.

"They need to soften their stance and seriously consider signing that deal," Waltz stated during an interview with Fox News.

The suggested pact, which allegedly requests a 50-percent share of Ukraine's natural resources, was first introduced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent at the Munich Security Conference, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

"It is crucial that you sign this," Bessent supposedly told Zelensky in their meeting.

Nevertheless, Kyiv has thus far turned down the US offer. "I cannot sell our nation," Zelensky remarked on Wednesday.

"Overall, the United States has provided us with approximately $67 billion in military aid, and we have received $31.5 billion in budgetary assistance," he added, stating: "However, one cannot simply calculate $500 billion and demand, 'return $500 billion in minerals'; that is not a serious conversation."

Despite this, the Ukrainian leader expressed gratitude for the support and indicated willingness to discuss a deal that incorporates US security guarantees for his country.

After a meeting in Kyiv with Keith Kellogg, the US special envoy for Ukraine and Russia, Zelensky characterized their discussions as "productive" in a post on the social media platform X on Thursday.

"Ukraine is prepared for a robust, effective investment and security agreement with the President of the US. We have suggested the quickest and most constructive path to achieve results," he wrote.