US-Ukraine Minerals Deal Signing Today? Top Official’s Shocking Response Amid Trump’s Tariff Moves
The fate of a much-anticipated minerals deal between the US and Ukraine hangs in the balance today, just hours after a rollercoaster of conflicting signals from both sides. Reports suggested President Donald Trump planned to announce the agreement during his Tuesday night address to Congress, but US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent threw cold water on the buzz, telling Fox News, “There is no signing planned.” The statement, posted on X by a Fox reporter, has left observers puzzled.
The deal, which would grant the US access to Ukraine’s vast rare earth minerals, hit a snag last Friday when Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy clashed in the Oval Office. Zelenskyy’s visit ended abruptly with no agreement, followed by Trump pausing all US military aid to Ukraine. Yet, on Tuesday, Zelenskyy signaled a thaw, saying Ukraine is ready to sign “at any time” to boost security ties. “It’s a step toward solid guarantees,” he added optimistically.
ALSO READ | Driver’s ‘Fast & Furious’ Stunt Ends in Mumbai Coastal Road Crash
Under the proposed terms, the US would claim 50% of Ukraine’s mineral revenues—think lithium and titanium—as payback for $65.9 billion in military aid since 2022. Bessent first pitched this to Kyiv in February, but Friday’s spat derailed it. Sources told Reuters Trump wanted to tout the deal in his 7:30 AM IST Congress speech, which also covered his tariff agenda and fentanyl crisis plans. However, Bessent’s denial has cast doubt on that.
Meanwhile, Trump’s trade war escalated Tuesday with 25% tariffs on Canada and Mexico and a 20% hike on China. Canada hit back with matching duties, prompting Trump to threaten even higher reciprocal tariffs on Truth Social. US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick hinted at a compromise, telling Fox Business that Trump might “meet in the middle” with Canada and Mexico as early as Wednesday after talks with their leaders.
With Trump’s speech now past and no minerals deal confirmed, uncertainty reigns. Zelenskyy’s olive branch contrasts with the US’s mixed messages, while global markets brace for tariff fallout. Stay tuned as this story unfolds.
