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Trump Administration demands full ownership of $500 Billion Fund from Ukraine’s natural resources in revised proposal

By ljdevon // 2025-02-25

• The Trump administration has presented Ukraine with a revised draft agreement demanding 100% U.S. ownership of a proposed $500 billion fund derived from Ukraine’s natural resources. • The fund would be financed by half of Ukraine’s future mineral extraction revenues and earnings from ports and infrastructure, but offers no specific security guarantees for Kiev. • President Donald Trump emphasized the need for repayment from Ukraine, stating the U.S. deserves compensation for its unwavering support over the past two years.

Trump sends tougher proposal as Zelenskyy defies repayment deal

In a move that showcases the Trump administration’s hardline approach to foreign policy, the United States has presented Ukraine with a revised draft agreement demanding full ownership of a $500 billion fund derived from Ukraine’s natural resources. The proposal, delivered to Kiev on Friday, marks a significant escalation in Washington’s efforts to recoup financial support provided to Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia. The revised agreement, first reported by The New York Times, stipulates that the U.S. would hold 100% ownership of the fund, receiving all financial interest generated from it. Ukraine, in turn, would contribute half of its future revenues from mineral extraction, as well as earnings from ports and other infrastructure. The proposal comes as President Donald Trump continues to push for accountability from Ukraine, arguing that the U.S. deserves repayment for its support and that the war in Ukraine could have been avoided or ended sooner. The revised draft represents a more stringent version of a previous proposal that Kiev had rejected. Unlike the earlier version, the new document specifies the $500 billion target for the fund, a figure previously mentioned by President Trump. However, it offers no specific security guarantees for Ukraine, nor does it obligate the U.S. to reinvest the fund’s proceeds into Ukraine’s reconstruction. Instead, the agreement states that Washington could reinvest a portion of the revenue into the country’s recovery. Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns over the proposal’s terms, arguing that the $500 billion figure is unrealistic and urging the inclusion of a clause to ensure the funds are used exclusively for investment in Ukraine. According to The New York Times, the Ukrainian side has also proposed revising the size of the fund, though negotiations remain ongoing. A separate report by the Ukrainian outlet NV provided additional details, citing five unnamed sources familiar with the draft. The outlet noted that Kiev would contribute two-thirds of the fund, while the U.S. would account for the remaining third through prior military aid. However, NV contradicted the Times report by stating that proceeds from ports were not mentioned in the draft.

Trump’s vision: conditional repayment and peace

Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Saturday, President Trump confirmed the administration’s push for repayment from Ukraine. “We’d better be close to a deal,” Trump said, adding that the U.S. has been asking Kiev “for rare earth and oil – anything we can get.” The president emphasized his commitment to securing repayment, stating, “We’re going to get our money back.” Trump’s remarks reflect his broader foreign policy vision, which prioritizes U.S. interests and accountability from allies. The president has long criticized Ukraine’s leadership, accusing President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of mismanaging U.S. aid and prolonging the conflict with Russia. Trump has argued that the war in Ukraine should have never started and could have been ended sooner, pointing to missed opportunities for peace and previous agreements between Ukraine and Russia. The revised proposal highlights the strained relationship between the U.S. and Ukraine, which has been further complicated by the ongoing conflict with Russia and allegations of corruption within Ukraine’s government. Since the annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, the U.S. has provided billions of dollars in military and economic aid to Ukraine. However, the Trump administration has consistently demanded greater accountability and transparency in how these funds are used. The current proposal also reflects a broader shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump, which emphasizes economic reciprocity and a reduction in what the president has described as “endless wars.” By demanding repayment and full ownership of the proposed fund, the Trump administration is signaling a departure from traditional foreign aid models, which often prioritize geopolitical alliances over financial returns. Sources include: RT.com RT.com Enoch, Brighteon.ai

corruption Trump big government accountability chaos WWIII America first rare earth minerals leverage government debt negotiations Kiev military aid repayment Zelenskyy peace deal conditional aid prolonged war endless wars