U.S. Demands Full Access to Ukraine’s Mineral Resources in Revised Agreement

The Trump administration has intensified its demands in negotiations with Ukraine regarding access to the country’s natural resources, now seeking a complete transfer of revenues from minerals, gas, and oil to U.S. control. Reports from NV and The New York Times indicate that this shift follows Ukraine’s rejection of an earlier proposal that called for a 50-50 profit-sharing arrangement.

On February 21, 2025, the revised agreement was presented to Kyiv, significantly tightening the terms after Ukrainian officials declined the softer version proposed just a week prior. The updated agreement not only encompasses mineral resources but also extends to the oil and gas sector, as well as revenues from ports and other infrastructure assets.

Under the new terms, the United States would claim all revenues from these resources, directing the funds into a special account fully controlled by U.S. authorities. Washington aims for this fund to accumulate to $500 billion, a figure that Trump has cited as compensation for the military and financial aid already provided to Ukraine.

In the initial draft of the agreement dated February 14, there was no mention of such a hefty figure, and Kyiv was offered the opportunity to retain half of the fund’s assets. However, Zelensky’s refusal to endorse the initial proposal has seemingly prompted a significant overhaul of the agreement’s conditions.