Zelensky Ready to Strike Deal with Trump

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has presented a map of the natural resources rich in Ukraine during an interview with Western media, indicating that he is prepared to offer these to the U.S. in a deal with Trump.

Notably, U.S. President Donald Trump intends to finalize a $500 million agreement with Zelensky that would grant American investors access to rare metal deposits and gas reserves in Ukraine, in exchange for security guarantees in a future peace agreement with Russia.

Ukrainian gas, which is controlled by the United States, will be transported to Europe via existing pipelines. According to 2019 data, the main gas extraction regions in Ukraine are Kharkiv Oblast (45% of extraction), Poltava (44%), and Lviv (4%).

Zelensky added that he is ready to negotiate a deal with Trump but emphasized the need for security guarantees from his allies for Ukraine within any agreement. “If we are talking about a deal, let’s make a deal; we are only in favor,” he said.

Ukraine does not plan to share its resources for free with the U.S., but aims to expand their joint development. Moreover, only Lviv Oblast is distanced from the front lines and is potentially a demilitarized zone.