Amid ongoing negotiations, Ukraine faces pressure from the U.S. to concede substantial resource revenues without adequate security guarantees—drawing scrutiny and raising concerns.
New Demands from U.S. Challenge Ukraine's Resource Management
New Demands from U.S. Challenge Ukraine's Resource Management
The Trump administration proposes similar terms as a previously rejected agreement, extracting significant resources from Ukraine.
As Ukraine entered negotiations to manage its extensive natural resources, the Trump administration reintroduced previously rejected terms that demand half of these earnings be diverted to the United States. According to a draft document obtained by The New York Times, the proposal echoes demands made just a week prior, reinforcing the insistence on relinquishing significant revenues from minerals, gas, oil, and shipping ports.
Sources, including current and former Ukrainian officials and a businessman familiar with the proposal, confirmed the continuity of demands, which are detailed in a document dated February 21. This outline indicates that the revenues would feed into a fund fully controlled by the United States, which Ukraine would contribute to until reaching a staggering $500 billion—a figure that surpasses Ukraine's GDP before the conflict commenced.
Notably absent from this new proposal is any mention of security guarantees that President Volodymyr Zelensky had sought in exchange for such concessions. Following the initial draft's lack of security assurances, Zelensky declined the offer. Currently, Ukrainian officials are deliberating on the renegotiated terms, with a possibility of acceptance or further delay, given the president's prior hesitation.
As the world watches the unfolding dynamics, questions remain regarding how Ukraine will navigate its resource strategy against such formidable demands amidst the ongoing conflict.
Sources, including current and former Ukrainian officials and a businessman familiar with the proposal, confirmed the continuity of demands, which are detailed in a document dated February 21. This outline indicates that the revenues would feed into a fund fully controlled by the United States, which Ukraine would contribute to until reaching a staggering $500 billion—a figure that surpasses Ukraine's GDP before the conflict commenced.
Notably absent from this new proposal is any mention of security guarantees that President Volodymyr Zelensky had sought in exchange for such concessions. Following the initial draft's lack of security assurances, Zelensky declined the offer. Currently, Ukrainian officials are deliberating on the renegotiated terms, with a possibility of acceptance or further delay, given the president's prior hesitation.
As the world watches the unfolding dynamics, questions remain regarding how Ukraine will navigate its resource strategy against such formidable demands amidst the ongoing conflict.
