When Ukrainians learned that a long-awaited natural resources deal with the United States had finally been finalised, there was cautious optimism in Kyiv. Many have already pointed out that the main provisions of the minerals deal are now far more advantageous for Ukraine than previous drafts, which some Ukrainian opponents had compared to “colonial” exploitation, even though the specifics are still being worked out.
In an attempt to meet with Donald Trump ahead of the U.S. presidential election, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy initially brought up the possibility of a minerals-sharing deal between Ukraine and the United States in late 2024. The concept got further traction after Trump won the election, but after a catastrophic meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office in late February, a scheduled signing ceremony was called off.
Leaked information suggested that US officials had hardened their stance when negotiations started in the early spring, demanding broad control over Ukrainian assets and attempting to use the proceeds to pay back help given to Ukraine during the first three years of Russia’s full-scale invasion. However, the most controversial terms have now been lifted after weeks of intensive discussions, producing a more forward-looking pact that lays the groundwork for a possible strengthening of Kyiv and Washington’s strategic alliance.
Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s Minister of Economy, stressed that Ukraine will maintain ownership and control over its natural resources during her trip to the US to sign the minerals pact after lengthy last-minute negotiations over the agreement’s small language. She hailed the pact as “an agreement that reaffirms the United States commitment to Ukraine’s security, recovery, and reconstruction” and said the final text “provides mutually beneficial conditions” for both nations.
Many in Kyiv viewed the signing mainly as a chance to mend fences with the Trump White House after a tumultuous few months in which the US President has frequently blamed Ukraine for Russia’s invasion and used harsh rhetoric against the nation. Ukraine managed to hold the line. All of the opposing side’s excessive demands were withdrawn in spite of tremendous pressure. Trump gains domestic political support as a result of Ukraine and the US achieving a significant political and diplomatic victory. This will likely result in a more favourable view of Ukraine.
The Ukrainian negotiation team received a lot of recognition for their ability to balance Kyiv’s concerns with US interests. Compared to previous drafts, this final version is much more equitable and beneficial to both parties. The minerals arrangement is a win-win situation. It’s a balanced, skillfully drafted agreement that exhibits professionalism and strategic insight.
The historic mining transaction was viewed pragmatically by many Ukrainian parliamentarians. It appears that Trump was applying pressure to us in an effort to secure a victory during his first hundred days in office. The specifics are where the trouble lies. Politically, however, there are benefits. For Trump, the agreement is a victory, and our relationship with him has improved.
Although there was a general sense of optimism in Kyiv after the Washington news, Sovsun emphasised that the new natural resources deal with the US is far from providing the security guarantees Ukraine needs to protect its future and stop more Russian aggression. Only if the US is prepared to impose further sanctions on Russia and provide Ukraine with a lot more weaponry, or ideally both, will the war truly conclude. It’s unlikely that the conflict will cease if neither occurs.
