In a significant development amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, President Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has agreed to transfer the revenue from certain mineral resources to the United States. This deal comes after strong pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump, characterized by a demanding campaign of rhetoric and threats.
The complete terms of the deal remain undisclosed, raising questions about what, if anything, Ukraine might receive in exchange after an arduous series of negotiations. President Zelensky has been vocal in his insistence on obtaining security guarantees for Ukraine as a condition for relinquishing its mineral rights, especially given the war with Russia has now extended into a fourth year. However, previous drafts of the agreement do not appear to have provided any such commitments.
Trump has implied that he seeks "payback" for the military assistance provided to Kyiv, steering the U.S.-Ukraine relationship toward a mercantilist approach. According to U.S. officials, a finalized translated draft of the agreement was sent to Ukraine on Tuesday, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and his Ukrainian counterpart expected to sign first, followed by a ceremonial signing in Washington with President Trump.
On Tuesday, Trump remarked on Zelensky’s upcoming visit: “I hear that he’s coming on Friday. Certainly, it’s OK with me if he’d like to.” Zelensky has expressed urgency in finalizing a deal during this visit, yet previously rejected one draft due to the absence of specific U.S. security guarantees and Trump’s request for mineral rights valued at around $500 billion, along with other disputed conditions.
