Zelensky Expected to Sign U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal Soon
Kyiv, Friday, 21 February 2025.
President Zelensky is set to finalize a minerals agreement with the U.S., aiming to secure critical resources and strengthen economic ties, following recent revisions by the Trump administration.
Recent Negotiations and Revisions
The announcement comes after intense negotiations following Ukraine’s initial rejection of a controversial proposal on February 12, 2025 [1][3]. The original draft, presented by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, demanded a 50% stake in Ukraine’s natural resources and key infrastructure [1][3], valued potentially in the trillions of dollars [3]. Following this rejection, the Trump administration provided an ‘improved’ draft on February 18, 2025, which has been modified to align with Ukrainian law [3].
Current Stakes and Security Concerns
The negotiations have been complicated by Ukraine’s insistence on concrete security guarantees [4][7]. President Zelensky has maintained a firm stance, stating ‘I can’t sell our state’ [2], while emphasizing Ukraine’s openness to a ‘strong, beneficial agreement’ with the United States [1]. The deal primarily focuses on critical minerals, including lithium and titanium [2], which are crucial for advanced technologies [3].
Political Tensions and Diplomatic Relations
The negotiations have occurred against a backdrop of strained relations, with Trump referring to Zelensky as a ‘dictator’ [3][4]. Recent polling by the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology shows that 57% of Ukrainians trust Zelensky [4], contradicting claims about his low popularity. U.S. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has urged Ukraine to ‘tone it down and take a hard look and sign that deal’ [4], highlighting the administration’s push for resolution.
Path Forward
With the revised proposal now addressing previous legal concerns [3], National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has confirmed that ‘President Zelensky is going to sign that deal’ in the very short term [1]. The agreement represents a potential turning point in U.S.-Ukraine economic relations, though specific details about security guarantees and revenue sharing arrangements in the revised proposal remain undisclosed [alert! ‘exact terms of revised deal not public’].