Talks between the United States and Ukraine on a mineral access agreement turned tense on Friday, with both sides clashing over the Trump administration’s latest draft proposal, which Ukrainian officials called “maximalist” and one-sided.
Trump’s Expansive Proposal Fuels Friction
According to a source familiar with the negotiations, the U.S. proposal demands privileged access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, including rare earth elements vital for global tech and defense industries. In exchange, it offers no security guarantees—a top priority for Ukraine as it continues to battle Russian forces occupying around 20% of its territory.
The Trump administration also proposed the creation of a joint investment fund, into which Ukraine would be required to deposit all profits from state and private mineral operations. Adding to Kyiv’s concerns, the proposal includes a clause granting control over a natural gas pipeline from Russia’s Gazprom through Ukraine to a U.S. development agency.
Ukraine Pushes Back: Deal Must Be Fair
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy responded firmly, stating that any minerals agreement must be “profitable for both countries” and contribute to modernizing Ukraine’s economy.
The Ukrainian government has reportedly hired international law firm Hogan Lovells as an external adviser to navigate the complex and politically charged negotiations.
What’s Next?
Top Ukrainian officials, including Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal and Finance Minister Serhiy Marchenko, are expected in Washington for the upcoming IMF and World Bank meetings on April 25, where the minerals deal could be a key discussion point.
What Does Trump Want?
President Trump has framed the potential deal as part of his broader strategy to end the war in Ukraine and recoup billions of dollars in U.S. aid already sent to Kyiv. However, the lack of mutual security provisions and Ukraine’s resistance to sweeping resource concessions make an agreement uncertain at this stage.