Reports from the Financial Times indicate that Ukraine is still awaiting the security assurances it desperately seeks to combat Russian forces, while the United States has yet to secure the anticipated $500 billion in potential revenue from Kyiv’s mineral deposits. The possibility of an arrangement between Washington and Kyiv has emerged following a week of strained relations between the two nations. President Donald Trump sparked controversy in Ukraine and Europe by proposing a scenario where Ukraine’s mineral resources would serve as repayment to the U.S. for military assistance provided during the conflict. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy promptly rejected this proposal, leading Trump to denounce him as a “dictator.” Moreover, Trump persistently perpetuates the unfounded allegation that Ukraine bears responsibility for Russia’s invasion.
Trump has confirmed Zelenskyy’s upcoming visit to Washington on Friday, acknowledging the news in the Oval Office. Expressing discontent with the substantial financial aid granted to Kyiv during former President Joe Biden’s tenure, Trump argues that European nations, situated near the conflict zone, should shoulder these expenses. Trump has voiced confidence in swiftly resolving Russia’s ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine, initially proposing a 24-hour timeframe, which has since been extended to six months by his administration. A high-ranking official revealed on Tuesday that a peace agreement is expected to be finalized within 30-60 days, although specifics on achieving this ambitious goal remain undisclosed.
Regarding the prospective deal, details concerning the extent of American military support Ukraine would receive are unclear. Deputy Prime Minister and Justice Minister of Ukraine, Olha Stefanishyna, who has been leading the negotiations, emphasized that the minerals agreement represents only one facet of the overall agreement. Ukraine has been receptive to granting Trump access to its reserves of critical and rare earth elements, crucial components utilized in various sectors ranging from green technology to advanced weaponry. Zelenskyy’s hope is that this gesture would encourage continued U.S. military aid, a matter Trump has cast doubt upon previously.
In an intriguing development, Russia has put forth a proposal concurrently, suggesting that the U.S. could obtain partial ownership of rare-earth minerals and other valuable metals in territories of Ukraine controlled by the Russian military. This proposal, as per information from two American officials familiar with intelligence on the topic and another briefed individual, aligns with Trump’s transactional negotiating style and could potentially influence the ongoing discussions.
