Breakingviews - Ukraine May yet Get Better of Trump on Mining Deal
The potential minerals deal between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy may not be as exploitative as it seems, offering Ukraine a chance to leverage its resources for long-term benefits. While the agreement would require Ukraine to share future revenues from its natural resources with a U.S.-controlled fund, it also opens the door for significant U.S. investment in Ukraine's reconstruction efforts. Despite uncertainties surrounding the viability of Ukraine's underground resources and the timeline for revenue generation, Zelenskiy appears to be crafting a strategy that could benefit his country in the future.
- This scenario highlights the intricate balance of power in international relations, where smaller nations can negotiate favorable terms despite the looming presence of larger powers, like the U.S.
- What implications could this deal have for Ukraine's sovereignty and its relationship with Russia moving forward?