Trump attempts to use the mineral deal with Ukraine as leverage to pressure Russia in negotiations.

According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, after signing the deal Trump intended to reach out to Russia with a message supporting Ukraine in the economic sphere, hoping that this would encourage Moscow to come to the negotiating table. Bessent noted that the plan’s implementation was impeded, but he is confident that the situation can still be rectified. Bessent emphasized that the deal was not slanted toward either party and that it could have evolved into a genuine economic partnership rather than a “predatory contract.”

This week, Ukraine’s delegation in Washington will finalize a new draft of the deal.

Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko pointed out: “What we have now is a document that reflects the stance of the US Treasury Department’s legal group. This is not the final version, and it does not represent a common position.”

Therefore, according to her Ukraine is set to define its red lines and the key principles on which the agreement should be based.

“We are focused on ensuring that the final text of the agreement fully aligns with our strategic interests,” Svyrydenko stated.