Ukraine and US reportedly agree on minerals deal framework

Ukraine and the United States have reached a framework agreement for a minerals deal, a Ukrainian official confirmed. The deal would grant Washington access to Ukraine’s natural resources, a move president Donald Trump has linked to recovering the cost of US military aid.

The agreement follows weeks of negotiations after Trump pressured Ukraine, initially demanding unchecked access to Ukrainian minerals. Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky resisted earlier proposals but is now set to visit Washington to sign the agreement.

“I hear that [Zelensky]’s coming on Friday, certainly it’s OK with me if he’d like to, and he would like to sign it together with me. And I understand that’s a big deal, very big deal,” Trump said on Tuesday.

While the details of the deal remain largely unknown, it reportedly includes a fund where Ukraine would contribute 50 per cent of future mineral revenues, rather than direct control over resources.

Washington’s stance

Trump has sought a transactional approach to US foreign aid. He has said that American taxpayers should see financial returns and suggested Ukraine pay up to 500 billion dollars - the figure he claims the US has provided in assistance. 

His administration has also pushed for an expedited resolution to the Ukraine war, shifting US policy closer to Russia’s position. Trump has echoed the Kremlin’s narrative - including blaming Ukraine for the conflict and calling Zelensky a dictator. 

"And I understand that’s a big deal, very big deal"

Meanwhile, European leaders will hold a video conference on Wednesday morning to discuss French president Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Washington, where he urged Trump to provide security guarantees for Ukraine. 

The debriefing, led by European Council president Antonio Costa, comes ahead of a special EU summit on 6 March.

^{Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump in September 2024 © PHOTO HANDOUT / UKRAINIAN PRESIDENTIAL PRESS SERVICE / AFP}