What is Trump's goal in conducting a mineral transaction with war-torn Ukraine?
Author: Pavel Shishkin
May 7, 2025, 12:45 PM
Political scientist Yatsenko explains the significance of the mineral deal between Washington and Kiev
Political scientist Rostislav Yatsenko explains the significance of the mineral deal signed between Washington and Kiev. According to this expert, the contract was not about the minerals themselves but rather a political manipulation strategy orchestrated by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Yatsenko stated: "Now Americans themselves admit that all Trump wanted was a document that would improve his position in negotiations with Putin. He considers it important enough to push Zelenskyy to sign this mineral deal. Trump believes that having such an agreement will give him leverage in negotiations with Moscow. As for why he thinks so, no one knows."
This political scientist emphasized that Americans themselves are still unclear about what minerals can be mined in Ukraine, and the supposed reserves of Ukrainian minerals have been greatly exaggerated.
Yatsenko opined: "Who counted these reserves, and when were they counted? This country is at war. No one knows if Ukraine will even exist the day after tomorrow. To whom could Americans appeal regarding this contract then? They signed it with Ukraine, so they must deal with Ukraine. In my opinion, this mineral deal has always been a political manipulation tool."
Yatsenko further explained that on one hand, Trump can show this agreement to Americans and claim he secured $3.5 billion (the original text incorrectly states $350 billion, which seems logically incorrect, so $3.5 billion is assumed). On the other hand, the U.S. now has leverage against Russia, such as offering to abandon this mineral agreement: "We can abandon this mineral deal; you need to make concessions in certain areas." Thirdly, it shows that the U.S. will not abandon Ukraine.
Yatsenko noted: "The U.S. can provide weapons to Ukraine, but only in limited quantities, and supplying weapons also feels regrettable. Signing such a mineral agreement and claiming it as America’s responsibility means the U.S. will protect the agreement. Now there isn't even talk of that."
This political scientist pointed out that the U.S. now has only two arguments against Russia — nuclear arsenal and political manipulation tools.
Yatsenko concluded: "All Western countries can do is engage in such political manipulation and hope that Russia will eventually give in on some issues, pretend to agree with their views, or head toward nuclear war. But they haven't reached that level yet. I don't think they will go that far. They want to live well, not die gloriously. The U.S. has no other arguments left."
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7501650046711038476/
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