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Trump Says He’ll “Resurrect” U.S.-Ukraine Resources Deal, Warns of Consequences if Rejected

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Trump Says He’ll “Resurrect” U.S.-Ukraine Resources Deal, Warns of Consequences if Rejected
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks during an executive order signing in the Oval Office at the White House on February 11, 2025, in Washington, DC. (Source: Getty Images)

U.S. President Donald Trump pledged to revive negotiations on a high-stakes natural resources deal with Ukraine, warning that failure to reach an agreement could lead to consequences for Ukraine, CNN reported on February 19.

“I think I’m gonna resurrect that deal, you know, we’ll see what happens, but I’m gonna resurrect it, or things are gonna not make him [President Volodymyr Zelenskyy] too happy. And look, it’s time for elections,” Trump said. He did not elaborate on the potential repercussions for Ukraine.

The proposed agreement, which was hand-delivered to Zelenskyy by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Kyiv, reportedly involves U.S. access to 50% of Ukraine’s natural resources through a joint investment fund—in exchange for continued American support.

Zelenskyy rejected the deal, stating that it failed to include any security guarantees for Ukraine.

“There are no security guarantees,” Zelenskyy said during the Munich Security Conference on February 15, adding that signing the memorandum was “not in our interest today.” He did not rule out a potential agreement in the future.

Trump criticized Ukraine’s handling of Bessent’s visit, claiming that the Treasury Secretary was met with dismissiveness in Kyiv.

“They told him no, and Zelenskyy was sleeping and unavailable to meet him,” Trump said.

“He went there to get a document signed, and when he got there, he came back empty. They wouldn’t sign the document.”

Earlier, Zelenskyy criticized Trump for echoing Russian disinformation regarding the war in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy addressed Trump’s recent remarks, including claims about his approval rating and assertions that Ukraine bears responsibility for the war.

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