Trump’s Ukraine Mineral Deal Designed to Shift Balance in Future Russia Talks

President Donald Trump approved a new economic deal with Ukraine to put more pressure on Russia and help the U.S. benefit from its support of Kyiv, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Monday.

Speaking at the Milken Institute Global Conference in Los Angeles, Bessent explained that Trump pushed for the agreement himself and saw it as a smart move both politically and economically.

“The economic partnership was his initiative. He believed it would accomplish multiple goals,” Bessent said.

“It would increase his leverage with the Russian leadership when the time came to engage in peace negotiations.”

The deal focuses on Ukraine’s valuable mineral resources and is meant to show strong U.S. support while also creating long-term financial benefits for the United States.

“The idea was to start with Ukraine — to sign a deal that demonstrates clear unity between the American and Ukrainian people,” Bessent added.

Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed that the country is expected to officially approve the deal in the coming weeks.