As Ukraine continues discussions regarding its vast natural resource rights, the Trump administration is insisting on terms that raise alarms in Kyiv.
The article text:
On February 22, 2025, Ukraine is embroiled in negotiations over a contentious deal to cede rights to its extensive natural resources, amidst pressures from the Trump administration that echo previously rejected proposals. The latest demands from the United States insist that Ukraine relinquish 50% of its revenues stemming from the extraction of natural resources including minerals, gas, oil, and earnings from its ports and infrastructure.
A draft document reviewed by The New York Times indicates that these demands have largely remained unchanged from an earlier agreement described as too burdensome by Ukrainian authorities. The memoir alerts four current and former Ukrainian officials, alongside a businessman privy to the proposal, affirming that conditions remain steadfast.
Dated February 21, the document specifies that revenue from these resources is to be redirected to a fund primarily controlled by the United States, requiring Ukraine to sustain contributions until it amasses a staggering $500 billion— a sum that surpasses double Ukraine’s pre-war GDP.
Significantly, the terms lack any commitment from the U.S. to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, a crucial aspect raised by President Volodymyr Zelensky in previous negotiations and one that contributed to the rejection of the earlier draft agreement.
As discussions unfold on Saturday, the Ukrainian government is contemplating whether to accept the contentious terms, which may lead to a deal being finalized by the day's end. However, delays remain possible, as President Zelensky has expressed persistent reservations about the deal’s implications.
The article text:
On February 22, 2025, Ukraine is embroiled in negotiations over a contentious deal to cede rights to its extensive natural resources, amidst pressures from the Trump administration that echo previously rejected proposals. The latest demands from the United States insist that Ukraine relinquish 50% of its revenues stemming from the extraction of natural resources including minerals, gas, oil, and earnings from its ports and infrastructure.
A draft document reviewed by The New York Times indicates that these demands have largely remained unchanged from an earlier agreement described as too burdensome by Ukrainian authorities. The memoir alerts four current and former Ukrainian officials, alongside a businessman privy to the proposal, affirming that conditions remain steadfast.
Dated February 21, the document specifies that revenue from these resources is to be redirected to a fund primarily controlled by the United States, requiring Ukraine to sustain contributions until it amasses a staggering $500 billion— a sum that surpasses double Ukraine’s pre-war GDP.
Significantly, the terms lack any commitment from the U.S. to provide security guarantees for Ukraine, a crucial aspect raised by President Volodymyr Zelensky in previous negotiations and one that contributed to the rejection of the earlier draft agreement.
As discussions unfold on Saturday, the Ukrainian government is contemplating whether to accept the contentious terms, which may lead to a deal being finalized by the day's end. However, delays remain possible, as President Zelensky has expressed persistent reservations about the deal’s implications.
