By NoriFtm | Binance Square Write to Earn
President Donald Trump signed a new minerals agreement with Ukraine this week, a move the administration touted as a diplomatic victory. But despite the fanfare, the deal hasn’t brought the U.S. closer to convincing Russian President Vladimir Putin to accept Washington’s peace proposal.
Inside the White House, officials remain divided on the next steps. While Trump’s envoy has met with Putin four times over the past four months, Russia’s stance on the conflict hasn’t shifted. According to sources cited by Politico, some officials believe the U.S. should ramp up pressure directly on the Kremlin, but Trump has resisted.
“A tougher sanctions package would be the logical next move—if the president is willing to take that path,” one official noted. So far, Trump hasn’t endorsed additional measures. He’s also withheld support for a Republican-led sanctions bill authored by Senator Lindsey Graham, which proposes harsher penalties on Russia and a steep 500% tariff on nations purchasing Russian energy and metals. The bill has broad bipartisan backing and could pass without Trump’s signature.
Diplomacy Stalls as Bombings Continue
Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its bombing campaign, ignoring Trump’s peace plan that would freeze current battle lines and leave Russia in control of occupied territories. Despite escalating attacks, the president has not announced any new actions. His public statements have been limited to vague social media posts hinting at a tougher approach without specifying measures.
The minerals agreement emerged partly as an alternative to new military aid, after Trump declined to commit to further security guarantees for Ukraine. At a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described the deal as “historic,” positioning it as evidence of Trump’s negotiating prowess.
The timing coincides with Trump reaching the 100-day milestone in his second term, with few foreign policy accomplishments to show. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who led the talks, told Fox Business the deal strengthens Trump’s hand in dealing with Russia: “This sends a strong message to Moscow and gives the president added leverage in negotiations.”
Bessent referenced Trump’s February meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where Trump reportedly said Ukraine “lacked the leverage” to win peace talks. Now, Bessent claimed, “President Trump has given Ukraine the royal flush.”
But analysts remain skeptical. Richard Haass, former president of the Council on Foreign Relations, warned against overstating the deal’s impact. “This agreement doesn’t resolve the deeper strategic challenges,” Haass said. “It’s no substitute for sustained U.S. military and intelligence backing for Ukraine.” He added, “The key question is whether this opens the door to more meaningful cooperation between Washington and Kyiv.”
Deal Secures Access, But No Repayment
Initially, Trump sought $500 billion in repayment from Ukraine’s future mineral profits to offset the $120 billion the U.S. provided in defense aid over the past three years. That demand didn’t make it into the final agreement.
Instead, the deal creates a joint U.S.-Ukraine investment fund aimed at postwar reconstruction. The U.S. will receive preferential access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, but Kyiv retains ownership and control over extraction decisions. Ukraine will contribute 50% of revenues from any new mining, oil, or gas projects. The U.S. can add funds directly or through military assistance, though passing such spending in Congress remains uncertain.
Officials say negotiations accelerated after Trump and Zelenskyy met privately during Pope Francis’ funeral last weekend. Despite mounting frustrations in Washington over Russia’s escalation, Moscow has remained publicly defiant, with insiders suggesting little difference in private discussions.
Takeaway
While the minerals deal secures economic ties between the U.S. and Ukraine, it leaves broader geopolitical questions unresolved. With Russia’s attacks intensifying and no clear path forward on sanctions or military aid, the U.S. strategy remains in flux.
Published by NoriFtm for Binance Square Write to Earn — sharing critical updates and insights for the global crypto and finance community.
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