OAN Staff Brook Mallory
5:56pm – Friday, May 2, 2025
In a recent move, President Donald Trump has finalized a mineral rights deal between Washington, D.C. and Kiev, keeping his promise to ensure fiscal responsibility regarding the military aid already being extended to Ukraine.
This agreement creates a new pathway for the U.S. to supply arms to Ukraine without tapping into taxpayer money.
After lengthy discussions, the deal was formalized on Wednesday, establishing a joint investment fund that involves a 50/50 profit share from the sales of mineral rights, as well as oil and gas licenses in Ukraine.
Interestingly, the contract specifies that rather than simply giving additional funds, the U.S. can receive credits for its contributions, according to reports from New York Post.
“If, from the effective date onward, the U.S. provides new military aid in any form, the U.S. partner’s capital contribution will be considered increased by the value of that military assistance,” states the Mineral Contracting State.
Moreover, the arrangement does not compel the U.S. to sell military assistance to Kiev, nor does it prevent the continuation of military aid approved by Congress during Joe Biden’s presidency.
Once the negotiations wrapped up, a detailed document outlining the operational specifics will be sent to Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada for ratification.
According to Hanna Shelest, a senior fellow at the Centre for European Policy Analysis in Kyiv, this process is estimated to take around a month.
“From what I’ve heard, U.S. officials were eager for us to sign quickly,” Shelest said. “The Ukrainian side insists on ratification before any signing occurs.”
Given the ongoing military threats from Russia, including drone and missile strikes, many Ukrainians are hoping this new deal might help turn around Trump’s previous hesitance to provide essential air defense systems. Yet, it’s important to note that the 47th President of the U.S. has cautioned Ukraine against expecting NATO membership or the reclamation of territories currently held by Russia.
Just last month, Ukrainian President Voldimi Zelensky approached Trump with a request for $15 billion worth of U.S.-made patriot missile systems, but Trump turned him down.
Some analysts suggest that Trump’s reluctance to make this “trade” reveals insight into the administration’s broader negotiation strategy.
“Ukrainian officials misjudged Trump’s eagerness, thinking they could leverage it to gain concessions,” remarked a source familiar with Ukraine’s approach, while mentioning a past heated discussion between the two leaders.
According to Dennis Yaroslavski, commander of the Ukrainian Army’s special reconnaissance forces, it’s vital for Ukraine to align with Trump’s approach.
“Only practical economic proposals matter,” Yaroslavski said. “…There’s a small but real opportunity for Ukraine to use this to push for a swift ceasefire.
“This could be just the beginning toward uniting our great alliance.”
Additionally, some analysts point out that while the U.S. isn’t obligated to arm Ukraine, this provision may carry a strategic implication for Russia.
In light of this, the Kremlin seemed to recognize the significance of the agreement. Dmitry Medvedev, vice-chairman of Russia’s Security Council, sharply criticized Trump, half-jokingly acknowledging the U.S. president for securing a deal with a nation he claimed was on the verge of collapse.
“Trump has managed to pressure the Kiev government into using its mineral wealth for military support,” he noted on Telegram, commenting on the state of a nation he deemed would “disappear soon.”
Please provide us with information! Receive break news and explode directly into your inbox for free. Please subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
The following ads
Share this post!
