Trump’s Envoy Nears Major Mineral Deal with Ukraine Amid War with Russia

In a pivotal move during an ongoing conflict, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, President Donald Trump’s special envoy for Russia and Ukraine, has made significant strides towards finalizing a rare-minerals deal with Ukraine. This development follows a recent two-day visit to the war-torn nation, underscoring the United States’ strategic interest in Ukraine’s valuable natural resources amidst the backdrop of Russia’s aggression.

A Deal in the Works

According to sources familiar with the negotiations who spoke to Fox News, the mineral deal is “nearly done.” The Ukrainian government has been actively engaged in discussions, providing suggestions on the draft agreement that is being substantively negotiated by American officials. President Trump has expressed optimism about the agreement’s proximity to fruition, stating emphatically, “It’s pretty close.”

This mineral agreement appears to be part of a broader strategy by the Trump administration to secure access to Ukraine’s rich natural resources, which could significantly bolster American interests in the region. In recent months, the U.S. has committed substantial aid to Ukraine to support its defense against Russian forces, making this agreement potentially a critical point of leverage.

Independent of Future Aid

Despite the ongoing negotiations, White House officials have been clear that this minerals deal should not be seen as a precursor to or guarantee of future U.S. aid. The emphasis on the independence of the mineral deal from subsequent aid complicates the scenario, suggesting that while the U.S. is interested in Ukraine’s resources, its support will not be contingent upon this agreement.

As the violence escalates, Ukraine continues to assert its sovereignty in the face of Russian aggression, which has now entered its second year. This conflict is not merely a regional dispute; it poses essential questions about the solidarity of democratic nations in maintaining international order.

Kellogg’s Diplomatic Engagements

During his visit, Kellogg engaged in high-level discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, whom he praised as a “courageous leader.” This commendation comes in stark contrast to Trump’s earlier criticism of Zelenskyy, labeling him “a dictator without elections.” Such conflicting statements from the former president raise questions about the U.S.’s consistent diplomatic stance on the ongoing conflict.

In a later radio interview, Trump clarified his position regarding Russian President Vladimir Putin, affirming that Putin had indeed ordered the invasion of Ukraine. This admission marks a significant reversal from earlier comments that could have been interpreted as downplaying Russia’s culpability.

Assessing the Risks and Complexities

While the negotiations for the mineral deal progress, experts have raised cautions regarding the feasibility of the agreement. Rebekah Koffler, a former Defence Intelligence Agency officer and author of *Putin’s Playbook*, remarked that the current battlefield dynamics favor Russia, complicating the mineral deal’s potential success.

Koffler described the situation as a “battle of wills,” pitting “the master of manipulation, Putin, against the master of the Art of the Deal, President Trump.” This observation highlights the larger strategic contest at play, wherein Zelenskyy must navigate a highly complex diplomatic environment.

A significant concern raised by Koffler is the location of Ukraine’s key mineral deposits, particularly lithium reserves, which lies in the Donbas region—territory currently under Russian control. The ongoing conflict has led Russia to increase its military focus on this strategic area, thus complicating negotiations over resource access.

Experiencing the Human Cost of Conflict

Kellogg’s tour also included a visit to the Irpin Military Hospital, where he met with injured Ukrainian soldiers. Many of these soldiers have sustained severe injuries, a grim testament to the war’s brutal realities. Kellogg emphasized the importance of witnessing the human cost of conflict, stating, “You have to go to the place where you see what killing looks like—what death looks like.”

During his visit, he interacted with wounded soldiers, including Andrii, who lost both legs and sustained a traumatic brain injury. Another soldier, Denis, raised concerns about Russia’s trustworthiness in future negotiations. Kellogg’s response acknowledged the inevitability of negotiations but stressed the commitment of Ukraine’s allies to stand firm.

The Role of Soldiers in Diplomacy

Kellogg elaborated on the critical role that soldiers play in enabling diplomatic resolutions. He remarked, “What the soldier does is give time for politicians and diplomats to reach a conclusion.” This notion underlines the uncomfortable truth that the sacrifices made on the battlefield often serve to facilitate the slow progression of diplomatic efforts.

As of September, war conditions have been devastating; nearly one million individuals have reportedly been killed or wounded, shedding light on the staggering toll of the protracted conflict. Denis expressed a fear that negotiations might yield only a temporary peace, warning that another conflict could reignite in the years to come. Kellogg reassured him, saying, “The intent is there’ll be no next war.”

A Tribute to Ukraine’s Determination

As part of his visit, Kellogg also paid tribute at the Irpin Bridge, a significant site during Ukraine’s defense against Russian advances. In 2022, Ukrainian forces demolished the bridge to hinder Russian troops’ progress towards Kyiv, marking a crucial defensive achievement.

Standing at this pivotal landmark, Kellogg reflected on the sacrifices made by Ukrainian soldiers in their fight for freedom, asserting, “I know how soldiers fight for freedom.” His observations serve as a reminder that the outcome of this conflict will not only shape the future of Ukraine but will also have far-reaching implications for global democratic values.

Conclusion

As the U.S. and Ukraine move closer to finalizing a mineral deal amid the ongoing conflict with Russia, the complexities of international diplomacy, military strategy, and humanitarian concern continue to intertwine. Kellogg’s visit underscores both the immediate challenges facing Ukraine and the broader geopolitical stakes at play, highlighting the sacrifices made in the quest for sovereignty and freedom in the face of tyranny. The road ahead remains fraught with uncertainty, but the solidarity demonstrated by Ukraine’s allies offers a flicker of hope in these turbulent times.