Ukraine and the U.S. have struck a preliminary deal to co-develop Ukraine's rare earth minerals, oil, and gas—but experts warn it may tilt the scales toward American economic dominance.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called the agreement 'vital' during his upcoming Washington talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, stressing continued U.S. aid is critical for peace. Meanwhile, Trump downplayed security guarantees, shifting responsibility to Europe.
Ukrainian PM Denis Shmyhal reassured that resources 'remain under Ukrainian control,' with 50% of future revenues funneled into a U.S.-backed reconstruction fund. Yet critics argue the deal traps Ukraine in a lopsided partnership.
'This is about the U.S. economically controlling Ukraine,' said Chen Yu, a geopolitical analyst, noting the deal lets Washington veto asset sales or term changes. 'Ukraine has little choice but to accept.'
*The Washington Post* likened the agreement to 'powerful nations extracting tribute,' signaling a return to coercive foreign policies. Will this reshape global resource politics? Stay tuned.
