A Controversial Pact : Military Aid In Exchange For Rare Resources

As the war in Ukraine enters a new phase of uncertainty, a major agreement between Washington and Kiev is reshaping the contours of Western support. Volodymyr Zelensky is set to travel to the United States this Friday, February 28, 2025, following the adoption of a pact that allows American access to Ukrainian rare earths and establishes a reconstruction fund for the country. This compromise, which blends economic issues with military considerations, marks a crucial step in the relationship between the two nations. The discussions, conducted under tension, ultimately led to an agreement that could play a decisive role in the geopolitical future of the region.

A tense agreement : natural resources for financial support

After several days of negotiations, Kiev and Washington have finalized an economic and strategic agreement, the details of which remain partially confidential. According to a senior Ukrainian official, the final text was amended to clarify the impact of this commitment on the security and stability of Ukraine. One of the most sensitive points of the negotiations concerned the request from the Trump administration to secure priority access to rare earths and other strategic Ukrainian resources in exchange for American support.

Initially, Volodymyr Zelensky rejected a proposal that demanded a compensation of 500 billion dollars in natural resources. The new version of the agreement, announced by Donald Trump, now provides for aid of 350 billion dollars, accompanied by a supply of military equipment for Kiev. When asked about the scope of the pact, the American president remarked : “we have practically finalized our agreement on rare earths and various other aspects. Ukraine will receive significant support, and we will address security issues later”. For its part, the White House has not yet confirmed all the provisions of the text.

Security issues and the position of European allies

While the agreement establishes a structuring economic framework for Kiev, the question of security guarantees remains a friction point. Ukraine, facing incessant Russian airstrikes, insists on the urgency of a clear commitment from its Western allies. Emmanuel Macron, during his visit to Washington, stated that France was ready to enhance Ukrainian military capabilities and was considering, if necessary, the deployment of British and French forces on the ground. Indeed, London shares this position and emphasizes the need for steady military support to ensure regional stability.

Russia is closely monitoring these developments. Vladimir Putin has not yet reacted officially, but recent bombardments by the Russian army (including 177 drones launched at Ukraine in one night) illustrate the Kremlin’s desire to maintain pressure. “Once this agreement is signed, they won’t back down,” affirmed Donald Trump, referring to Moscow’s position. However, the absence of clear guarantees on the protection of Ukrainian territory raises questions, both in Kiev and among its European allies.

As Ukraine strives to rebuild its country amid the bombings, this economic and military agreement opens new perspectives but also creates numerous uncertainties. While American financial support represents a considerable asset, the question of the sustainability of Western commitments remains pending. Access to Ukrainian strategic resources by the United States could also provoke tensions with other major economic actors, especially in Europe and Asia. In a context where war and diplomacy intertwine, the outcome of this pact will be decisive for the future of Ukraine and the balance of forces on a global scale.