Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his team are actively working on an updated agreement with the United States. This new accord involves Ukraine conceding a portion of its revenue from its most valuable resources to the U.S. A Ukrainian official disclosed this information to ABC News.
A U.S. official familiar with the negotiations revealed that a fresh version of the deal between the two nations has been proposed. The document, still a work in progress, initially emerged during the Trump administration. According to a draft document reviewed by ABC News, the U.S. government proposed that Ukraine provide 50% of the revenue from significant resources like minerals, oil, gas, and ports.
The proposal is pivotal in the context of U.S.-Ukraine relations under the Trump administration, especially amid the ongoing three-year conflict following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The initial document was presented to Zelenskyy's team with little warning when U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent visited Kyiv on February 12. This prompted criticism, suggesting the Trump administration was strong-arming Ukraine into an exploitative agreement.
After reviewing the draft, which lacked future security guarantees for Ukraine, Zelenskyy refused to sign. Trump responded by criticizing Zelenskyy, questioning his legitimacy and echoing Russian President Vladimir Putin's rhetoric. Zelenskyy, however, maintained his stance, emphasizing gratitude for U.S. support but asserting Ukraine's sovereignty.
"I told them to show the security guarantees, and then we talk about the percentage. They said 50%, and I replied NO. I can't sell the country off," Zelenskyy declared during a press conference. He further noted that around 20% of resources are in Russia-occupied territories.
In a subsequent meeting with Trump's Special Envoy to Ukraine, Russian Gen. Keith Kellogg, Zelenskyy revisited the proposal. Post-meeting, Zelenskyy's team began working on an updated agreement. The proposed agreement initially sent before Zelenskyy met with Treasury Secretary Bessent requested Ukraine to agree to a 50% revenue share with the U.S. Despite time constraints, Zelenskyy refused to sign immediately.
Zelenskyy's scheduled meeting in Munich with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced potential cancellation after Zelenskyy sent a revised proposal. However, after discussions, the meeting proceeded as planned.
An alleged draft document, dated February 7, details the U.S. government's request for 50% of Ukraine's revenue from resources like mineral resources, oil and gas, and infrastructure. A U.S. official confirmed that these details align with the initial proposal. The document underscores the significant financial and material support provided by the U.S. to Ukraine since Russia's 2022 invasion.
The White House has refrained from confirming or denying the ongoing discussions, emphasizing that such negotiations are best conducted privately. Meanwhile, Trump criticized Zelensky for not signing, accusing him of treating Treasury Secretary Bessent poorly during his visit to Kyiv. Trump's National Security Advisor Michael Waltz expressed frustration over Zelenskyy's refusal to agree to what he termed a historic opportunity.
"There can be, in my view, nothing better for Ukraine's future and security than having the United States invested in their prosperity long term," Waltz stated. The specific changes proposed by Ukraine during discussions with Kellogg remain unclear.
