Ukraine Opposes U.S. Demand For $500 Billion Fund In Minerals Deal
Ukraine has pushed back against U.S. demands for a $500 billion fund that would be part of a deal to give Washington, D.C., a cut of the country’s mineral wealth, a Ukrainian official familiar with talks said.
The fund would compensate the U.S. for its assistance provided to the war-torn nation since the start of Russia’s invasion. Ukraine is arguing the actual amount is about five times lower at more than $90 billion, said the person who declined to be named because the talks are private.
Another sticking point in talks is the lack of U.S. assurances of future military and financial aid, the person said.
Addressing a Conservative Political Action Conference audience outside Washington, D.C., on Saturday, U.S. President Donald Trump said “We’re going to get our money back” and “we’re asking for rare earth and oil — anything we can get.”
“I think we’re pretty close to a deal — and we’d better be close to a deal,” he said.
