Russia Critiques US-Ukraine Minerals Deal as Military Aid Leverage

A new U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement has sparked controversy, with Russian officials, notably Dmitry Medvedev, claiming that the deal compels Ukraine to pay for future American military aid using its natural resources and calling it a surrender of Ukraine's national wealth. The agreement, signed in Washington, grants the U.S. preferential access to Ukraine’s mineral sector and includes funding for reconstruction, but does not provide explicit security guarantees or obligate Ukraine to repay past U.S. military assistance. Ukrainian officials and analysts, however, express cautious optimism, emphasizing that Ukraine will retain full control over its resources, the deal does not restrict future partnerships, and U.S. companies will only have fair market access to future projects. The final text reportedly omits earlier U.S. demands for repayment with minerals, instead treating future aid as investment. The deal comes amid stalled peace talks and ongoing debates about U.S. involvement in Ukraine, highlighting competing narratives about national sovereignty and strategic interests. While Russia frames the agreement as exploitation, Ukrainian sources argue they have secured fair terms after resisting significant pressure.