US-Ukraine Resource Deal Seeks Control Amid Criticism

The Trump administration is advancing a new agreement that would significantly increase American control over Ukraine's economy, particularly in critical minerals and energy sectors. This draft, described as more expansive than a previous critical minerals deal, seeks to allow U.S. companies to profit from various Ukrainian resources, including oil and gas. However, Ukrainian officials express concerns that the proposed deal could undermine their sovereignty and deepen dependency on the U.S., particularly as it includes no security guarantees in exchange. The European Commission has indicated that this agreement must be analyzed in context with Ukraine's EU accession obligations. Ongoing discussions between Ukrainian and U.S. ministries indicate that the measure may face hurdles in Ukraine's parliament due to its perceived one-sidedness. As Ukraine navigates these pressures, President Zelenskyy has publicly voiced frustrations about the evolving demands from Washington amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.