Ukraine, US Near Controversial Minerals Deal Amid Russia Offer

The United States and Ukraine are on the verge of finalizing a significant minerals deal, with President Trump indicating that Ukrainian President Zelensky could visit the White House soon to sign the agreement. This deal would grant the U.S. a 50% share in Ukraine's natural resource revenues, a contentious point as Zelensky has resisted signing without additional security guarantees. Russian President Putin has responded by asserting that Moscow can offer more to Trump than Ukraine can, emphasizing the geopolitical stakes involved. Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's deputy prime minister, confirmed that negotiations are nearly complete, and both sides are eager to finalize the agreement to demonstrate long-term commitment. However, concerns have been raised about the implications of such a deal, with critics arguing it could burden Ukraine's future generations and represent a form of exploitation rather than partnership. The discussions come amid a broader context of ongoing diplomatic efforts related to the war in Ukraine and the potential for resource-backed financing.