Washington: In a series of unexpected shifts, former U.S. President Donald Trump has continued to display a more conciliatory tone on multiple global fronts. After pausing reciprocal tariffs for 90 days and scaling back pressure on Iran over Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities, Trump has now softened his stance on the war-ravaged Ukraine.
According to U.S. media reports, Trump has agreed to ease terms on a critical U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal by dropping the demand for Ukraine to repay American military aid as a loan. This marks a notable shift from the administration’s previous hardline position.
Aid No Longer Considered a Loan
Sources indicate that under the latest draft of the minerals agreement, the Trump administration has consented not to classify the U.S. military assistance to Ukraine as debt. However, Ukraine will still be expected to repay the amount—though reportedly without interest. As of now, neither U.S. nor Ukrainian officials have formally confirmed the details of the agreement.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky welcomed the development, calling the revised terms “a sign of positive progress” and praising the emerging consensus on the mineral partnership.
Trump Drops 4% Interest Demand, Relaxes Conditions
Earlier versions of the deal had drawn sharp criticism from Kyiv. Trump’s initial proposal not only demanded full U.S. control over Ukraine’s energy and mineral resources but also sought a 4% interest on the repayment of previous aid—conditions Ukrainian officials slammed as “aggressive” and tantamount to turning Ukraine into an American colony.
The latest reports suggest that these terms have now been significantly relaxed. However, obstacles remain.
Key Hurdles Persist Despite Softer Tone
A senior official familiar with the negotiations told AFP that although the revised draft no longer classifies the $90 billion in U.S. military aid as a loan, repayment is still expected. Moreover, just like the earlier version of the agreement, the U.S. is reportedly unwilling to offer Ukraine any form of security guarantees in exchange for the deal.
According to Bloomberg, the Trump administration is now proposing that the aid already provided be treated as a “contribution” to a joint fund aimed at managing Ukraine’s mineral and natural resources. This would require Ukraine to allocate a significant share of its mineral revenue into this U.S.-overseen fund.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he was optimistic about the deal being finalized soon, stating, “We are hopeful that the minerals agreement will be signed with Ukraine by the end of this week.”
Strategic Shift or Tactical Move?
Analysts say Trump’s softened stance may be a tactical pivot as he navigates complex foreign policy challenges ahead of the 2025 elections. The minerals deal is seen as crucial for U.S. access to rare earth elements and energy supplies, particularly as geopolitical rivalries with China and Russia continue to intensify.
As the world watches, the evolving U.S.-Ukraine partnership could redefine not only the course of the war but also the future of energy diplomacy in a post-conflict Eastern Europe.
