What’s the Deal?
- Ukraine agreed to give the U.S. priority access to its natural resources (like oil, gas, and minerals) in exchange for military aid and funds to rebuild after the war.
- Think of it like a trade: Ukraine offers resources as a form of payment for weapons and financial support.
Russia’s Reaction
- Dmitry Medvedev (Russian Security Council leader) criticized the deal, claiming:
- Ukraine is being forced to “pay for U.S. aid with its own resources.”
- He called it a sign of Ukraine’s weakening government, saying they’re “using a disappearing country’s wealth” to fund the war.
Key Changes to the Deal
- Earlier drafts were more favorable to the U.S., but the final version is less one-sided:
- U.S. military aid to Ukraine now counts as an “investment” in the deal, not a loan Ukraine must repay.
- No repayment required for past aid (only future support is linked to the resource access).
Trump’s Comments
- Donald Trump (former U.S. President) called the deal a “win,” saying the U.S. gets “more value” than the $350 billion spent on aid.
- He argued it prevents the U.S. from looking “foolish” by ensuring Ukraine doesn’t keep asking for “more and more” without results.
Ceasefire Stalemate
- No progress in peace talks. Both sides refuse to back down:
- Ukraine’s President Zelensky says he can’t legally surrender Crimea (a region Russia claims).
- Russia insists annexed territories (including Crimea) are “ours forever.”
U.S. Envoy’s Perspective
- Keith Kellogg (Trump’s advisor) suggested Ukraine might accept a temporary ceasefire based on current battle lines.
- He compared it to a truce in a game: Russia keeps occupied land for now, but Ukraine doesn’t officially give it up.
Why This Matters
- For Ukraine: Desperate for aid but risks losing control of key resources.
- For the U.S.: Secures a stake in Ukraine’s economy while supporting an ally.
- For Russia: Uses the deal to paint Ukraine’s government as weak and dependent.
Bottom Line: The deal highlights Ukraine’s tough choices in a war with no end in sight.