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Ukraine, U.S. Still Negotiating Mineral Deal Amid Controversy Over Terms
Ukraine & U.S. still negotiating mineral deal as Washington demands control over Kyiv’s resource income to repay wartime aid. Zelenskiy cautious amid shifting terms.
ND
by News Desk
2025-03-28
Ukraine, U.S. Still Negotiating Mineral Deal Amid Controversy Over Terms

Ukrainian officials confirmed on Friday that negotiations over a mineral deal with the U.S. remain unfinished, after reports suggested Washington was demanding Ukraine’s entire natural resources income to repay wartime aid.

Key Details of the U.S. Proposal

🔹 According to a summary reviewed by Reuters, the latest U.S. offer requires Ukraine to send all profits from a resource fund to Washington until U.S. wartime aid—plus 4% annual interest—is repaid.
🔹 The fund, managed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, would have five board members (three from the U.S., two from Ukraine).
🔹 Washington would get first rights to purchase extracted resources before Ukraine could access any profits.
🔹 A previous version of the deal, agreed to in principle before Zelenskiy's February visit to the White House, gave Ukraine a 50% share of resource profits.

Ukrainian Response: No Consensus Yet

Ukrainian Deputy PM Yulia Svyrydenko told lawmakers that a position would be issued only after internal consensus, cautioning against public debate.
🔹 Presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak confirmed that no final draft exists yet, as "consultations are ongoing."
🔹 A Ukrainian official described the full U.S. proposal as “huge.”

Shifting U.S. Stance Under Trump

Since taking office, Trump has shifted U.S. policy, pressuring Kyiv to sign a deal giving Washington a stake in Ukraine’s resources.
✔️ Zelenskiy has expressed willingness but insists Ukraine won’t accept a deal that impoverishes the country.
✔️ Washington revised its proposal, removing security guarantees and toughening financial terms.
✔️ After Zelenskiy’s February visit, Trump berated him in the Oval Office and temporarily suspended intelligence & military aid.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, leading negotiations, said the U.S. expects signatures next week. Trump argues the deal would help secure peace while ensuring the U.S. recoups its investment in Ukraine.

Putin’s Latest Demand: Replace Ukraine’s Government

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin continues to demand Kyiv’s surrender, stating that:
➡️ Ukraine’s government should be replaced by a temporary administration.
➡️ Ukraine must be disarmed and neutral.
➡️ Russia is winning militarily and is open to peace—but "not at our expense."

The U.S. remains officially neutral, with a White House spokesperson emphasizing Ukraine’s sovereignty over its government.

What’s Next?

With negotiations still in flux, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to secure a deal while maintaining sovereignty over its resources. Meanwhile, Russia continues its offensive and diplomatic maneuvers to shape Ukraine’s future.
Tagged:

Ukraine

Geopolitics

RussiaUkraineWar

USDeal

MineralDeal
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