US Seeks Indefinite Control Over Ukraine's Mineral Resources

The Trump administration is pushing for a significant new mineral agreement with Ukraine, granting the U.S. control over all natural resources, including oil and gas. This proposal would require Ukraine to allocate a substantial portion of its profits from these resources to a U.S.-controlled investment fund, essentially obligating Ukraine to repay the U.S. for financial support given during the war with Russia. Critics, including Ukrainian officials, have labeled the proposal as a form of 'robbery,' as it lacks security guarantees and could hinder Ukraine's sovereignty and ambitions for EU membership. Additionally, the agreement would allow the U.S. a veto over any resource sales to third parties, raising concerns about Ukraine's economic independence. Ukrainian MP Yaroslav Zheleznyak has indicated that the draft in its current form is unlikely to gain parliamentary support. The U.S. hopes to finalize the agreement soon, despite pushback from Ukrainian lawmakers.