US and Ukraine Agree on Deal for Critical Minerals Amid War Talks
According to a Reuters report, the United States and Ukraine have agreed on a draft deal involving critical minerals, which could help Ukraine gain more support from Washington.
This comes as President Donald Trump is pushing to quickly end the war with Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to visit Washington on Friday to sign the deal, which Trump called a “very big deal.”
The Reuters report explains that the deal focuses on Ukraine’s vast mineral resources, which include valuable materials like graphite, used in electric car batteries and nuclear reactors.
Ukraine has some of the world’s largest deposits of these critical minerals, making the deal important for both countries. However, it’s still unclear if the agreement includes the security guarantees or military aid that Ukraine has been asking for.
Trump has suggested that the deal is a way for the US to recover some of the billions of dollars it has spent helping Ukraine. He said, “
The American taxpayer now is going to get their money back, plus.” But Reuters notes that Ukraine had earlier refused to sign a similar deal because it felt the US wasn’t offering enough in return, especially in terms of security support.
The report also highlights the tension between Trump and Zelenskiy. Last week, Trump falsely called Zelenskiy a “dictator” and accused him of needing to make a quick peace deal.
Zelenskiy responded by saying Trump was living in a “disinformation bubble.” Despite this, both sides have agreed to the draft deal, and officials are recommending it be signed.
Reuters points out that Trump’s push to end the war quickly has worried European allies. They fear that the US might make big concessions to Russia, which could weaken Ukraine’s security and change the balance of power in Europe.
Trump has even suggested that peacekeeping troops might be needed in Ukraine if a deal is reached, but Russia has strongly opposed any NATO involvement.
The deal could give Ukraine access to more US support, but it also raises questions about how long that support will last.
Trump mentioned that the US might continue sending weapons “until we have a deal with Russia,” but he didn’t explain how the war could end so quickly.
European leaders are scrambling to respond to Trump’s moves, as his administration has signaled that Europe’s security is no longer a top priority for the US.
A meeting between Trump and Zelenskiy in Washington could give the Ukrainian leader a chance to argue for continued US backing.
In summary, the Reuters report shows that the US and Ukraine are working on a deal that could benefit both countries, but it also highlights the challenges and uncertainties surrounding the war and international support for Ukraine.
The deal could unlock Ukraine’s mineral wealth, but it remains to be seen if it will provide the security and stability Ukraine desperately needs.
Credit : Reuters