As Ukraine engaged in negotiations aimed at addressing its natural resource wealth, the Trump administration is advocating terms that appear strikingly similar to those abandoned just a week earlier. Sources, including four current and former Ukrainian officials as well as a businessman, indicate that the U.S. is insisting on a requirement for Ukraine to forfeit 50% of its revenue derived from natural resources, which encompasses minerals as well as oil and gas, in addition to earnings from ports and other significant infrastructure. This information emerged from a draft of the new proposal shared with The New York Times.
The document, dated February 21, specifies that such revenues would be directed into a fund controlled solely by the United States, which demands contribution from Ukraine until it reaches the substantial figure of $500 billion—an amount that exceeds twice Ukraine's gross domestic product prior to the onset of conflict. Notably absent from this proposal, consistent with the earlier draft, is any mention of security guarantees that President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested, a major factor in his prior refusal to accept similar terms.
As of the last update, Ukraine is in the process of reviewing this proposal, with negotiations still underway on February 22. There remains the possibility that Ukraine might agree to the terms by the end of the day; however, President Zelensky's past hesitance to sign off on such agreements could lead to further delay in finalizing the deal.
The document, dated February 21, specifies that such revenues would be directed into a fund controlled solely by the United States, which demands contribution from Ukraine until it reaches the substantial figure of $500 billion—an amount that exceeds twice Ukraine's gross domestic product prior to the onset of conflict. Notably absent from this proposal, consistent with the earlier draft, is any mention of security guarantees that President Volodymyr Zelensky has requested, a major factor in his prior refusal to accept similar terms.
As of the last update, Ukraine is in the process of reviewing this proposal, with negotiations still underway on February 22. There remains the possibility that Ukraine might agree to the terms by the end of the day; however, President Zelensky's past hesitance to sign off on such agreements could lead to further delay in finalizing the deal.
