The Trump administration is reportedly advocating for revised terms regarding U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals and energy assets. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to secure a peace agreement with Russia.
What Happened: The U.S. is persuading Kyiv to consent to comprehensive terms about the ownership and control of a joint investment fund. The scope of this could potentially extend to U.S. ownership of other economic assets in Ukraine, such as nuclear power plants, according to two Ukrainian officials, as reported by the Financial Times.
President Donald Trump announced on Thursday, that the U.S. is aiming to establish agreements on rare earths and minerals globally, with a special focus on Ukraine. However, no further details were provided.
"We're doing very well with regard to Ukraine and Russia, and one of the things we're doing is signing a deal very shortly with respect to rare Earth elements with Ukraine," stated Trump.
This strategy will enable the U.S. to strengthen its presence in one of Europe’s most resource-rich nations amid growing geopolitical challenges. Trump believes that U.S. economic investment in Ukraine is a sufficient security guarantee to deter Russia from initiating a new invasion following any ceasefire. However, the deal is yet to be finalized considering complex negotiation terms.
SEE ALSO: Trump Invokes An Act From 1950s To Boost Domestic Mineral Industry
Why It Matters: This development comes following Trump’s call with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday which resulted in Russia committing to a ‘partial’ ceasefire. Also, in another call, Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed Ukraine’s electrical supply and nuclear power plants, with Trump suggesting that the U.S. could offer substantial support in managing these facilities using its expertise in electricity and utilities.
Ukraine heavily depends on U.S. support economically and militarily but is increasingly concerned about potential resource exploitation and its long-term impact on communities and the environment. Inna Sovsun, a Ukrainian opposition lawmaker raised concern and posted on X, "Since when does surrendering a strategic sector to a foreign country equal security?"
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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