As the U.S. pushes Ukraine to finalize a controversial minerals-for-aid deal, President Zelensky resists demands that could cost Ukraine half its resource revenues and sovereignty.
At a Glance
- U.S. seeks 50% of Ukraine’s future resource revenues
- Deal tied to $500B in past military aid, lacks security guarantees
- Zelensky faces domestic backlash over potential concessions
- U.S. threatens to exit peace talks if Ukraine doesn’t comply
- Proposed peace plan requires Ukraine to cede occupied territories
U.S. Pressures Ukraine for Resource Deal
The United States is urging Ukraine to finalize a minerals agreement that would grant the U.S. 50% of revenues from Ukraine’s natural resources, including rare earth elements, oil, and gas. This deal is presented as compensation for the $500 billion in military aid provided to Ukraine since Russia’s 2022 invasion. However, the agreement notably lacks any security guarantees for Ukraine, raising concerns about its sovereignty and long-term stability, according to analysis from the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has emphasized the urgency of concluding the deal, stating the U.S. wants to sign the economic partnership “as soon as possible,” as reported by Reuters. The proposed agreement would establish a jointly managed Reconstruction Investment Fund, granting the U.S. significant control over Ukraine’s resource revenues, as detailed by Wikipedia.
Watch Reuters’ report on the incident at US wants to sign economic partnership with Ukraine ‘as soon as possible’.
Zelensky Resists, Faces Domestic Backlash
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has resisted the U.S. demands, arguing that the proposed deal would effectively “sell Ukraine away.” He has expressed concerns about the lack of security guarantees and the potential loss of sovereignty over Ukraine’s natural resources, as noted in coverage of U.S. foreign policy in Wikipedia.
The Ukrainian opposition is also demanding transparency, urging Zelensky to explain the details of the peace talks and minerals deal to parliament. According to Politico Europe, critics warn that the agreement could compromise Ukraine’s territorial integrity and economic independence.
Peace Talks Tied to Resource Agreement
The minerals deal is closely linked to ongoing peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia, mediated by the U.S. Former President Donald Trump has proposed a peace plan that would require Ukraine to recognize Russian sovereignty over Crimea, freeze current frontlines, and abandon its NATO aspirations. In exchange, Ukraine would receive security guarantees and partial Russian withdrawal, as reported by The Guardian.
Zelensky has firmly rejected any concessions that would legitimize Russian occupation, stating that Ukraine cannot recognize Russia’s annexation of Crimea without violating its constitution. His rejection aligns with constitutional law and was reiterated during recent live coverage by The Guardian.
Uncertain Future for U.S.-Ukraine Relations
The proposed minerals deal and linked peace plan have significantly strained U.S.-Ukraine relations. While the U.S. aims to recoup its military support via resource revenues, Ukraine remains cautious about deals that compromise its sovereignty or strategic goals.
As the Saturday deadline for finalizing the deal approaches, both countries face tough decisions. The outcome will shape Ukraine’s reconstruction and its future role on the global stage.
