A new mineral and energy deal between the United States and Ukraine is raising hopes that Republicans might finally unite behind more support for Ukraine’s war effort.
The agreement, signed Wednesday, gives the U.S. a 50% stake in Ukraine’s future oil, gas, and mineral projects in exchange for continued military aid.
The deal comes after months of tension between former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Their February meeting at the White House reportedly turned into a heated exchange.
But the economic nature of this new agreement may be what finally brings Trump and skeptical Republicans back on board.
“This puts American skin in the game,” said Sen. James Lankford (R-OK). Supporters say the deal allows Republicans to frame aid to Ukraine as a business investment rather than just foreign assistance.
Under the terms, Ukraine retains full ownership of its resources but must match U.S. military aid with future mineral revenues.
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The joint fund will focus on Ukraine’s valuable lithium, titanium, and rare earth metals—resources critical to energy and defense industries.
While some Republicans hailed the move as a “game changer,” Democrats voiced concern. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer warned that turning aid into a transactional deal risks undermining U.S. moral leadership.
“The proof will be if Trump actually stands up to Putin,” Schumer said.
Critics also noted that many of Ukraine’s richest mineral deposits are in Russian-occupied territories—regions some Trump allies have suggested Ukraine should give up.
Zelensky’s team remained optimistic, calling the deal a breakthrough. A top advisor said it doesn’t offer security guarantees but provides “the next best thing”—deep U.S. investment in Ukraine’s future.
For now, the deal has bought Ukraine time and possibly more U.S. aid, but the battlefield remains unchanged. Whether this economic partnership turns into real protection remains to be seen.
