Donald Trump is set to receive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in a visit that extends far beyond the signing of a strategic mineral agreement. This meeting is particularly notable, given that Trump had previously broken with his predecessor Joe Biden’s policy of supporting Kyiv and had made a surprising overture to Vladimir Putin. Interestingly, Trump had once referred to Zelenskyy as a “dictator,” making this encounter all the more intriguing.
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The framework agreement between the two nations will allow the United States to access Ukraine’s subsoil resources, a demand Trump had made in exchange for the military and financial aid provided over the last three years. With Ukraine possessing about 5% of the world’s mining resources, Trump’s interests are clear. However, it’s worth noting that many of these resources are currently untapped, difficult to extract, or under Russian control in occupied territories. In characteristic fashion, Trump exclaimed, “We are going to dig, dig, dig.”
The agreement, though, doesn’t entirely match Trump’s initial expectations. He had requested $500 billion, an amount not included in the final text. Instead, the agreement establishes a joint investment fund in metals, hydrocarbons, and investments. Notably, it does not provide Ukraine with absolute security guarantees. Trump suggested on Thursday that this agreement could serve as a form of “security network,” stating, “I don’t think anyone will get into trouble if we are (in Ukraine) with many workers” to exploit minerals.
This development comes as the international community continues to watch the situation between Ukraine and Russia with bated breath, and Trump’s move is seen by many as a significant shift in policy. As details unfold, one thing is certain – the implications of this agreement will be closely watched by governments and observers alike.