Ukraine is hoping to reach a deal on a counter-offer, but the opening proposal rippled through European diplomatic circles not only for its audacity but because the war-ravaged country appears ready to play ball.

President Volodymyr Zelensky publicly faulted the American offer, which is tied to continued aid, because it did not include security guarantees.

Ukraine has rejected a U.S. proposal to own about 50% of the country's rare earth minerals, the Financial Times reported Saturday, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy looks to negotiate a better deal.  U.