U.S.-Ukraine Mineral Agreement Sparks Tension Amid Security Concerns
WASHINGTON – In a high-stakes political maneuver, President Donald Trump is pressuring Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to finalize a “breakthrough agreement” that would permit the U.S. to tap into Ukraine’s rich deposits of minerals, oil, and natural gas.
The two countries have reached a preliminary understanding: Ukraine is slated to allocate half of its future revenue from state-owned natural resources to a mutually managed fund.
However, the draft agreement omits security assurances that Ukraine has consistently demanded.
The anticipated tug-of-war between the presidents is set to unfold on Friday during Zelenskyy’s inaugural Oval Office meeting with Trump. On one side is Zelenskyy, resolute in his push for reliable American military backing. On the other is Trump, who expects Ukraine to compensate the U.S. for its prior engagements.
“First, we ink the mineral deal,” Trump asserted, indicating that any discussions about U.S. military aid to Kyiv would be postponed. Such dialogue would occur amid negotiations with Russia to cease its relentless aggression against Ukraine.
On Thursday, Trump highlighted that American workers stationed in Ukraine would act as a deterrent against Russian threats.
Launching the joint venture marks the beginning of a complex journey. Ukraine’s infrastructure will require significant rehabilitation, and private corporations must be persuaded to initiate mining operations, experts suggest. It could take up to 20 years for the U.S. to realize returns from this endeavor.
Despite these hurdles, Trump described it as a “breakthrough agreement,” positing that it provides a way for taxpayers to be “reimbursed” for the military aid already delivered to Ukraine. Moreover, it offers the U.S. a means to replenish its reserves, according to Trump.
Trump has been relentless in recovering funds spent by America before his presidency—expressing frustration over the U.S.’s financial burden compared to European allies. His discontent is amplified by a potential financial arrangement allowing Europe to recover some of its contributions to Ukraine through a loan structure.
Zelenskyy has countered that his dialogue with Trump will include discussions about using frozen assets for arms purchases. Additionally, he plans to seek clarity from Trump on whether the U.S. intends to cease its military support.
Zelenskyy’s upcoming White House visit marks his second face-to-face meeting with Trump since being elected. Their initial encounter occurred in December in Paris. Historically, Zelenskyy unsuccessfully sought a White House visit during Trump’s first term, a period famously marred by Trump’s impeachment in the House—a result of his demands for Zelenskyy to investigate his political rivals, although he was later acquitted in the Senate.
The duo has been embroiled in disputes over U.S. military aid since, with Trump’s post-inauguration political efforts focused on striking a peace deal with Russia to resolve the ongoing conflict.