The Trump administration is considering a simplified minerals agreement with Ukraine, aiming to secure a quick deal before negotiating detailed terms, according to sources familiar with the matter.
This move follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy's rejection of a previous U.S. proposal that sought to grant Washington a 50% stake in Ukraine’s critical mineral reserves.
The rejected agreement would have given the U.S. access to key resources such as graphite, uranium, titanium, and lithium—essential for industries including electric vehicle production. Zelenskiy deemed the proposal overly focused on American interests and lacking necessary security guarantees for Ukraine. “I can't sell our country,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
Strategic and political stakes
Trump’s push for a minerals deal comes as he weighs further military support for Kyiv and potential efforts to mediate peace talks with Russia in the ongoing three-year war. The urgency stems from Trump’s desire to demonstrate to the American public that U.S. aid to Ukraine is yielding financial returns. According to sources, he is pressing for mineral concessions valued at $500 billion as a form of compensation for past U.S. military assistance.
Keith Kellogg, Trump’s envoy to Ukraine, is in Kyiv this week to discuss a revised proposal. Zelenskiy confirmed he would meet Kellogg on Thursday, emphasizing that “cooperation with America must be constructive.”
Despite ongoing negotiations, tensions between the two leaders have escalated. Trump labeled Zelenskiy “a dictator without elections” following the Ukrainian leader’s remarks that Trump was influenced by Russian disinformation. The strained relationship raises questions about the feasibility of a long-term minerals deal.
Challenges and alternative approaches
Sources suggest that Trump’s team may now pursue a phased approach, securing an initial agreement while deferring complex details such as ownership shares and revenue distribution. This strategy could circumvent legal and logistical challenges and allow time for further negotiations.
Experts note that while the U.S. has not historically engaged in resource-for-aid swaps, China has effectively used similar strategies to secure access to critical minerals worldwide. “The U.S. has not historically used natural resource-for-aid swaps, but it's a tried and tested tool in China's minerals playbook,” said Gracelin Baskaran, director of the Critical Minerals Security Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Ukraine, meanwhile, remains open to a revised deal that acknowledges U.S. investments while appearing less exploitative than the original proposal. Tyson Barker, former U.S. deputy special envoy for Ukraine’s economic recovery, noted that Kyiv is willing to provide the U.S. with privileged access to mineral resources, recognizing America’s substantial financial support during the war.
However, Ukraine may also need to consider offering similar terms to other key allies, including Canada, the UK, Japan, and the European Union. Barker warned that any agreement could be complicated by Russia’s control over parts of Ukraine rich in critical minerals, including lithium deposits. The fate of these resources remains uncertain as the war continues.
Iranian military leaders have issued harsh warnings against the U.S. following President Donald Trump’s threats, vowing a more forceful retaliation if Iran’s interests are attacked again.
U.S. President Donald Trump has strongly denied reports suggesting his administration considered offering Iran $30 billion for a civilian nuclear program, calling the claims a “hoax.”
The U.S. Supreme Court could decide on Friday whether to allow enforcement of Donald Trump’s order limiting birthright citizenship, a move that would end automatic citizenship for many children born on American soil.
U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday urged Congress to shut down the Voice of America, accusing the taxpayer-funded broadcaster of promoting radical leftist views and calling it a "total, leftwing disaster."
U.S. President Donald Trump has called for the dismissal of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s corruption trial, characterising it as politically motivated while acknowledging Netanyahu’s leadership during recent conflicts.
Azerbaijan has summoned Russia’s envoy in Baku to protest the deadly raids targeting Azerbaijani nationals in Yekaterinburg, demanding a full investigation and accountability.
Iran has barred the UN nuclear watchdog’s chief from entering the country and suspended camera installations at its nuclear facilities, escalating tensions over transparency following recent military clashes.
U.S. Senate Republicans are pushing forward with President Donald Trump’s major tax-and-spending bill, aiming to begin debate this weekend on a sweeping measure that could reshape fiscal policy and deepen the national debt.
Iranian military leaders have issued harsh warnings against the U.S. following President Donald Trump’s threats, vowing a more forceful retaliation if Iran’s interests are attacked again.
A deadly car bombing struck a Pakistani military convoy near the Afghan border on Saturday, killing at least 13 soldiers and injuring several others, according to local sources.
Iran launched 18 ballistic missiles late Sunday targeting the U.S. military’s Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the largest American installation in the Middle East.
The U.S. economy faces a 40% risk of recession in the second half of 2025, JP Morgan analysts said on Wednesday, citing rising tariffs and stagflation concerns.
Severe rain in Venezuela has caused rivers to overflow and triggered landslides, sweeping away homes and collapsing a highway bridge, with five states affected and no casualties reported so far.
The U.S. Embassy in Qatar has advised American citizens to shelter in place amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran, as part of a broader global security alert issued by Washington.
In a televised address on Saturday night, U.S. President Donald J. Trump announced that American forces, in coordination with Israel, had conducted precision strikes on Iran’s Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan nuclear sites, aiming to dismantle Tehran’s enrichment capabilities.
A former Venezuelan military intelligence official has pleaded guilty in the United States to drug trafficking and narco-terrorism charges, concluding a two-year legal process following his extradition.
U.S. Senate Republicans are pushing forward with President Donald Trump’s major tax-and-spending bill, aiming to begin debate this weekend on a sweeping measure that could reshape fiscal policy and deepen the national debt.
Iranian military leaders have issued harsh warnings against the U.S. following President Donald Trump’s threats, vowing a more forceful retaliation if Iran’s interests are attacked again.
A deadly car bombing struck a Pakistani military convoy near the Afghan border on Saturday, killing at least 13 soldiers and injuring several others, according to local sources.
Polish President Andrzej Duda arrived in Kyiv on a farewell visit ahead of the end of his term on 6 August. He is expected to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during his stay.
Azerbaijan has summoned Russia’s envoy in Baku to protest the deadly raids targeting Azerbaijani nationals in Yekaterinburg, demanding a full investigation and accountability.
Iran has barred the UN nuclear watchdog’s chief from entering the country and suspended camera installations at its nuclear facilities, escalating tensions over transparency following recent military clashes.
U.S. Senate Republicans are pushing forward with President Donald Trump’s major tax-and-spending bill, aiming to begin debate this weekend on a sweeping measure that could reshape fiscal policy and deepen the national debt.
Iranian military leaders have issued harsh warnings against the U.S. following President Donald Trump’s threats, vowing a more forceful retaliation if Iran’s interests are attacked again.
A deadly car bombing struck a Pakistani military convoy near the Afghan border on Saturday, killing at least 13 soldiers and injuring several others, according to local sources.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment