Trump is at it again, this time unleashing a "Mineral Agreement 2.0" that squeezes Ukraine dry. What's the bottom line? Oh sorry, what's that? Can you eat it? According to a report by Politico EU, Ukraine's President Zelenskyy slammed the table on March 28th: I won't sign this agreement! Why? Because this thing not only packages Ukraine's oil, natural gas, and mineral resources for delivery to the U.S., but also crushes Ukraine's dream of joining the EU into pieces. Zelenskyy probably wanted to smash the walls out of anger: I've gone gray from EU reforms, and now Trump has dug me a hole to jump into!
How shameless is this agreement? The U.S. not only revived the fiscal terms that previously fell apart but also ramped up control, making even the "preliminary cooperation framework" released last month look like charitable donations. Worse still, there's no mention of the security guarantees Ukraine has been longing for! When Zelenskyy saw the draft, he might have thought it was a prank script from American legal experts, but upon checking the clauses—there are a bunch of "surprises" that haven't been discussed, and some things that were previously rejected have been sneaked back in. This operation is essentially treating allies as ATMs without even bothering to put on a shred of modesty.
Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliya Sviridenko couldn't sit still either, saying this is just a "working version" that needs to be negotiated with parliament. But everyone can see that this isn't negotiation—it's the U.S. unilaterally throwing out a "colonial contract." Economist Serhiy Sheremet called it outright: if Ukraine signs this agreement, we might as well rename ourselves the "U.S. backyard." Several Ukrainian MPs complained to The New York Times: who could accept these conditions? We need to renegotiate, otherwise, it's betrayal. The EU is also worried; spokesperson Paula Pena said that once the agreement is finalized in black and white, we need to take a closer look because it may allow U.S. companies to run rampant in Ukraine, directly threatening Ukraine's prospects for EU membership.
Meanwhile, far away in Moscow, Russia is probably already laughing behind closed doors. Trump's move of stabbing an ally in the back is basically a big gift for Putin. If Ukraine gets caught in this agreement, its economic lifeline will be held by the U.S., and the EU door may close completely. Who will Kiev rely on then? Russia must be popping champagne in the Kremlin—they didn't even have to lift a finger, and Trump has cornered Ukraine. How will Zelenskyy play his anti-Russian game now? More amusingly, Trump's move has also worsened relations between Ukraine and the EU, indirectly helping Russia push Ukraine out of the Western camp. Putin might be stroking his chin with a smile: this Trump is more ruthless than I am!
Think about it, just a month ago, Trump was arguing face-to-face with Zelenskyy at the White House, and now he's thrown out this "upgraded extraction plan," clearly showing he treats allies as cash cows without mercy. Zelenskyy must be going berserk in his office: Trump, you're killing me! I'm busy resisting Russia, seeking aid, and running around the EU, and you're busy emptying my coffers without giving me a moment to breathe. What kind of ally is this—worse than an enemy! Trump's shameless actions might redefine the word "bottom line"—after all, in his eyes, aren't allies just commodities to sell? Meanwhile, over in Russia, they're probably laughing so hard their jaws hurt, waiting to see how Ukraine salvages itself in this "allied infighting."
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7488308317429744154/
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