By Lumine
KYIV, UKRAINE, In a moment charged with symbolism and strategy, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Thursday hailed a sweeping new critical minerals deal with the United States as a “historic turning point,” marking Ukraine’s evolution from war-torn aid recipient to equal partner in global resource and defense policy.
Calling the agreement a “true equal partnership,” Zelenskyy credited a private meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump, held on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral at the Vatican, as the breakthrough moment that reshaped months of fraught negotiations.
“This agreement has changed significantly,” Zelenskyy said in his nightly address. “It now creates real opportunities for investment, for modernization of our industries, and, equally, for reforms to our legal systems.”
Major Concessions Secured
Analysts in Kyiv were quick to note the unexpected concessions Ukraine secured, especially given Trump’s prior claim that Ukraine “held no cards.”
“Ukraine held the line. Every overreaching demand was dropped. The final deal looks fair,” posted Tymofiy Mylovanov, president of the Kyiv School of Economics, on X.
Gone from the final text is the controversial clause that would have required Ukraine to repay U.S. military aid with mineral rights, a provision Trump once championed.
U.S. Arms Sales Resume
In what appears to be a geostrategic ripple effect, the Trump administration has authorized its first major arms sale to Ukraine since returning to office. A $50 million export license for defense hardware and services has been approved, signaling a shift from Trump’s previously frozen aid stance.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called the minerals pact a “clear signal to Moscow” that Washington remains committed to Ukraine.
“This gives President Trump a stronger hand in negotiations with Russia,” Bessent told Fox Business.
Kremlin Quiet, Medvedev Fumes
While the Kremlin has remained silent, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev lashed out, claiming Trump had “broken the Kyiv regime” by forcing it to trade resources for aid. The accusation stands in contrast to both U.S. and Ukrainian portrayals of the deal as mutual and strategic.
New U.S. Envoy Appointed
In a rapid diplomatic move, the U.S. State Department appointed Julie Davis as the new ambassador to Kyiv. A 30-year foreign service veteran with deep NATO experience, Davis replaces Bridget Brink, whose resignation came amid shifting peace dynamics.
Her appointment is seen as calculated and strategic, particularly as peace talks inch forward, even amid growing skepticism that Trump-led diplomacy may lean toward Moscow.
European Sanctions Loom
Meanwhile, Europe is preparing to reinforce its stance. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot confirmed the EU’s 17th sanctions package against Russia is underway and will be coordinated with the U.S.
Barrot stressed that Putin remains “the sole obstacle” to peace and reaffirmed the EU’s demand for a full Russian withdrawal.
Even as diplomacy grabs headlines, the war rages on. A Russian drone barrage struck southeastern Zaporizhzhia on Thursday night, igniting multiple buildings and injuring at least 14 civilians.
Governor Ivan Fedorov confirmed there were no fatalities, despite earlier reports of one death. The ten separate strikes targeted schools, apartment blocks, and critical infrastructure.
As Zelenskyy pushes forward with rebuilding Ukraine’s economy and sovereignty, the minerals pact could become more than symbolic, it may be a lifeline, positioning Ukraine as a central player in the global energy and defense chain, not merely a victim of geopolitics.
