The agreement between Kyiv and Washington regarding Ukraine’s natural resources remains unfinished with US President Donald Trump pushing for a “bigger, better deal,” CBS News reported on March 4, citing unnamed sources.
Originally set for signing on February 28, the deal was delayed following a public dispute between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, casting uncertainty over its future.
Following the US decision to freeze military aid to Ukraine, Zelensky expressed regret over the disagreement and reaffirmed his willingness to sign the minerals agreement and work toward peace.
While Reuters suggested the deal might be finalized on March 4, US officials contested this, and no agreement was signed. CBS News did not specify what aspects of the deal Trump seeks to renegotiate.
The long-discussed agreement would establish a fund where Ukraine contributes 50% of the revenue from future sales of state-owned mineral resources, including oil, gas, and logistics infrastructure.
Washington has reportedly presented three versions of the deal, with Ukraine rejecting the first two due to the absence of security guarantees. Despite growing US pressure, the third version also lacked firm security commitments, instead including a clause stating that the fund would be reinvested annually in Ukraine to support “safety, security, and prosperity.”
The Trump administration has hesitated to provide security assurances, arguing that economic support itself serves as a security measure and that Europe should take primary responsibility for Ukraine’s defense.
