Russia’s Medvedev says Ukraine minerals deal means Trump has forced Kyiv to pay for US aid

In Moscow, Dmitry Medvedev, a senior Russian security official, stated on Thursday that the recent minerals deal signed between Ukraine and the United States implied that U.S. President Donald Trump had pressured Kyiv into using its mineral resources to secure future U.S. military assistance. The agreement, inked in Washington on Wednesday, grants the U.S. favorable access to new Ukrainian mineral contracts and supports investments in Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. The Kyiv Post, referencing diplomatic sources, reported that the Trump administration had informed Congress about plans to approve the export of defense-related goods to Ukraine through direct commercial transactions exceeding $50 million, a move unprecedented since Trump’s return to the White House. Reuters was unable to immediately verify this information.

Medvedev, the former Russian president now serving as deputy chairman of Russia’s Security Council, conveyed on Telegram, “Trump has pressured the Kyiv government to the extent that they must utilize their mineral resources to finance U.S. aid.” He added, “Now, they (Ukrainians) will need to utilize the national wealth of a diminishing country to purchase military supplies.” Medvedev, who held office from 2008 to 2012, once portrayed a liberal, pro-Western reformer image but has transformed into one of the most vocal anti-Western advocates since the onset of Russia’s conflict in Ukraine in 2014.

The minerals deal was struck amid the U.S.’s growing frustration over the inability of Moscow and Kyiv to engage in peace negotiations. While Moscow asserts readiness for direct talks and a sustainable peace settlement, it emphasizes the complexity of the issues at hand requiring a cautious approach. Kyiv advocates for an immediate unconditional ceasefire lasting at least 30 days. Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed general agreement but highlighted the necessity of addressing numerous unresolved matters beforehand. Putin announced a three-day ceasefire from May 8-10 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazi Germany in World War II.

The Kremlin disclosed Russia’s substantial mineral resources and hinted at possible cooperation agreements with the U.S. in the Arctic and other regions but refrained from commenting on the Ukrainian minerals arrangement. Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser, speculated that the deal between Washington and Kyiv might impede Russia’s objectives in Ukraine peace talks as Trump had established a rationale for further military spending. Markov predicted that the U.S. might adopt a pro-Ukrainian stance due to considering itself a quasi co-owner of Ukraine.