A new deal proposed by Donald Trump to Ukraine, offering continued American support but without any guarantees for protection against Russian invasion, has left the country facing a stark choice: Accept life as an economic colony of the United States or risk falling under Russian rule.
This latest version of the US minerals deal, presented in Kyiv, pushes further than previous offers. It demands Ukraine not only repay America for its war aid — with an added four per cent — but also hand over control of much of its industry, transport, and communications. The agreement is framed under Delaware law, which holds no legal authority in Ukraine.
Ukrainian lawmakers say the proposal resembles a “mafia-style” protection scheme from Washington, coinciding — either by chance or design — with ongoing threats from the Kremlin.
According to Oleksandr Merezhko, Chairman of Ukraine’s parliamentary foreign affairs committee, the deal blatantly disregards both Ukrainian and international law.
“It completely ignores international law and the Ukrainian constitution and Ukrainian law,” said Merezhko.
US Eyes Economic Control in Exchange for Past Aid
The Trump administration appears eager to capitalise on Ukraine’s economic assets — particularly in minerals — by tying business opportunities to war aid repayment. The deal outlines a plan where Ukraine and the US would split royalties from oil, gas, and minerals, with profits paid in dollars and placed into a fund governed by a board dominated by American representatives.
Additionally, the US would gain oversight over Ukraine’s infrastructure used for resource extraction — such as railways, roads, ports, and processing plants — and would even be able to veto resource sales to other nations.
Trump claims Ukraine owes $350 billion for military assistance, though experts say the figure is closer to $130 billion. The proposal demands this be paid back immediately.
Strong Backlash from Ukrainian Leaders
Merezhko strongly criticised the plan: “It makes no sense because the idea is that Ukraine should give everything it has, all its natural resources, in exchange for the aid which has been already provided. But it’s absurd,” he said.
He hopes the offer is merely a negotiation tactic and not a threat to cut off military and intelligence support. Drawing a vivid comparison, he added:
“You know, [that would be like] seeing a person who has been killed by a maniac, and instead of helping this person who is bleeding and fighting, struggling for his life, you are trying to take his possessions.”
Despite the pressure, Ukrainian politicians are attempting not to anger the Trump camp, though prospects for constructive diplomacy appear slim.
Ukraine has agreed to a US-backed plan for a 30-day ceasefire covering the Black Sea and key energy infrastructure. Russia, however, has rejected the terms and instead demanded sanctions relief — a request the EU refuses to honour.
This ceasefire attempt is part of President Zelensky’s efforts to repair relations with the Trump administration, following a tense meeting during his last US visit. That session was reportedly led by Vice President JD Vance, who is now raising concerns in Europe.
While visiting Greenland, Vance expressed views suggesting the US should consider acquiring its natural resources by negotiation or force. His stance, especially towards a NATO ally, has alarmed European leaders.
European Security Shifts and Deep Historical Wounds
Vance’s strong anti-European rhetoric is prompting EU countries to consider alternative security arrangements independent of the US, including increased defence spending and bolstered support for Ukraine.
But many in Ukraine see the US proposal as a misunderstanding of their country and a dangerous echo of past oppression. Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko voiced the nation’s deep emotional connection to its land:
“Our troops are not fighting because Zelensky sent them to fight. We are fighting because we believe this is our right, that’s our land. You can’t just take away our freedom from us and the question of the soil is one of the issues we are so emotional about.”
Although the US provides nearly 30 per cent of Ukraine’s military aid, experts say the country could continue fighting even if American support is reduced — though losing US intelligence would be a major setback.
Yasko compared the proposed deal to past tragedies, including the Holodomor famine of the 1930s, when millions of Ukrainians died after Soviet authorities seized the country’s grain.
“Our historical memory is very strong like that – we shouldn’t ever allow anyone to have full control over our soil,” she said.
As Ukraine continues its battle against Russian aggression, the Trump proposal adds another layer of complexity — one that threatens to trade Ukraine’s sovereignty for survival, without any assurance of protection.
