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Zelensky rejects Trump’s demand for half of Ukraine’s resource revenues in exchange for U.S. aid

By isabelle // 2025-02-18

• Trump demands a 50% stake in Ukraine’s natural resource revenues as repayment for U.S. aid, sparking outrage in Kyiv.
• The proposed deal grants the U.S. unprecedented control over Ukraine’s resource economy and includes sovereign immunity clauses.
• Zelensky rejects the proposal, citing lack of security guarantees and concerns over sovereignty and enforceability.
• Ukraine is preparing a counter-proposal, seeking stronger security assurances and international involvement.
• The proposal reflects a transactional U.S. foreign policy approach, raising concerns about Ukraine’s sovereignty and strategic alliances.

President Donald Trump has reportedly demanded a 50% stake in Ukraine’s revenues from natural resources, ports, and infrastructure as repayment for the billions of dollars in U.S. aid provided during its war with Russia. The proposal, which was presented to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky last week, has sparked outrage and concern in Kyiv, with Zelensky rejecting the deal as one-sided and lacking guarantees for Ukraine’s future security. The demand highlights Trump’s push to ensure the U.S. benefits from its foreign aid investments, but critics argue it risks alienating a key ally in a volatile region. The draft contract, described as “Privileged & Confidential,” calls for the U.S. to retain a 50% share of Ukraine’s revenues from critical minerals, oil and gas, ports, and infrastructure in perpetuity. The agreement would also grant the U.S. a lien on revenues from new licenses and a right of first refusal for purchasing exportable minerals. According to reports, the deal would give Washington unprecedented control over Ukraine’s commodity and resource economy, with the contract governed by New York law and granting the U.S. sovereign immunity. Trump defended the proposal in a recent Fox News interview, stating, “They have tremendously valuable land in terms of rare earth [minerals], in terms of oil and gas, in terms of other things. I want to have our money secured, because we’re spending hundreds of billions of dollars [in Ukraine].” He emphasized that the U.S. should recoup its investment regardless of whether Ukraine reaches a peace deal with Russia.

Zelensky’s rejection and concerns

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has firmly rejected the proposal, calling it inadequate and lacking in security guarantees for his country. “I didn’t let the ministers sign a relevant agreement because in my view it is not ready to protect us, our interest,” Zelensky said. He stressed the importance of linking any resource deal to long-term security assurances, particularly as Ukraine continues to fend off Russian aggression. Kyiv’s concerns are twofold: the proposal offers no specific commitments for future U.S. support, and it fails to address how the U.S. would help secure Ukraine’s mineral deposits amid ongoing conflict. Ukrainian officials have also expressed unease over the document’s stipulation that disputes be resolved under New York law, which they argue may not be enforceable.

A push for a better deal

Despite rejecting Trump’s initial offer, Zelensky has signaled openness to a revised agreement that includes broader international involvement and stronger security guarantees. “For me, it’s very important, the connection between some kind of security guarantees and some kind of investment,” he said. Ukrainian officials are reportedly preparing a counter-proposal to present to the U.S. in the near future. The U.S. proposal aligns with Zelensky’s “Victory Plan,” which seeks to deepen ties with Washington by offering access to Ukraine’s vast mineral wealth in exchange for continued support. However, the current deal falls short of Kyiv’s expectations, with one Ukrainian official describing it as “a Trump deal” that is “tough” but not in Ukraine’s best interest. Trump’s demand for half of Ukraine’s resource revenues marks a dramatic shift in U.S. foreign policy, emphasizing a transactional approach to international aid. While the proposal reflects Trump’s commitment to ensuring the U.S. benefits from its investments, it has raised significant concerns in Kyiv about sovereignty and long-term security. As negotiations continue, the outcome will likely hinge on whether the two nations can strike a balance between economic interests and strategic alliances. Sources for this article include: NYPost.com NYPost.com FT.com

Russia World War III Ukraine national security Trump White House big government chaos money supply resist financial aid mineral resources military aid Zelensky Russia-Ukraine war economic riot finance riot U.S. foreign policy