Trump pushes extreme demands for control over Ukraine's resources
- U.S. President Donald Trump has made new demands for control over Ukraine's mineral and energy resources as part of a proposed deal.
- Ukrainian officials are criticizing these new demands as excessive and potentially harmful to their economy and relationships with the European Union.
- The negotiations are ongoing, with Ukraine's leadership seeking a counter-offer while maintaining a cooperative stance towards the United States.
Ukraine is currently facing intense negotiations with the United States concerning a significant minerals deal that has been proposed by US President Donald Trump. This deal entails a comprehensive arrangement where Ukraine would cede control over its critical minerals and energy resources, including oil and gas. The initial agreement collapsed during a controversial meeting in February 2025 between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump. Now, with updated terms, the proposal from the US is perceived by Ukrainian officials as draconian and potentially detrimental to Ukraine's aspirations of joining the European Union, pressing them into a subordinate position. The US's push for control over these assets is fueled by its past investments in Ukraine since the onset of the Russian invasion in February 2022. Trump is keen on recouping some of the financial support provided to Ukraine and is using the restructuring of mineral ownership as leverage in exchange for military aid. The new proposal dictates that all royalties from Ukrainian mineral resources would be funneled to the US until Ukraine pays off a staggering $100 billion in war debt. Only after this condition is met would Ukraine receive a mere 50% of the royalties moving forward, which raises concerns about Ukraine's economic independence and long-term viability as a sovereign state. Furthermore, the proposed deal would grant the US veto power over any sales of Ukrainian resources to external nations, effectively restricting Ukraine's ability to engage freely in international trade. Critics of the proposal have labeled it as 'robbery' and 'expropriation,' arguing that it strips Ukraine of critical assets that it needs for recovery and could worsen its economic plight. The legal team in Kyiv is currently evaluating the terms, drafting a potential counter-offer amidst anxiety over being caught in a compromising situation, yet maintaining an appearance of cooperation towards the US. These developments arise as Ukraine continues to face ongoing conflicts and military challenges from Russia. Zelensky has publicly acknowledged the inconsistent terms stemming from Washington, seeking to ensure that Ukraine does not send negative signals while hoping to secure ongoing US financial and military assistance. Ukrainian officials remain cautiously optimistic, asserting their desire for a balanced and equitable agreement that preserves the nation's interests amidst external pressures. The outcome of these negotiations will likely have lasting implications for Ukraine's future direction, economic health, and geopolitical relationships with the United States and the European Union.