The New Statesman | UK politics and culture Trump finally invests in Ukraine
May 1, 2025
Megan Gibson, the international editor at the New Statesman, brings her insights on a groundbreaking minerals deal between Ukraine and the U.S., shedding light on its potential to deter Russian aggression. She discusses the evolving dynamics of support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict. The conversation also touches on Canada's changing political landscape, highlighting the rise of the Conservative Party under Pierre Poilievre and how international issues influence domestic politics, particularly in the context of Trump’s legacy.
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US-Ukraine Minerals Deal Significance
- The US-Ukraine minerals deal is very significant for economic and strategic reasons.
- It also acts as a tripwire deterring Russian aggression by involving American interests close to the front line.
Raw Materials in Conflict Zones
- Some raw materials are currently in Russian-occupied areas, making them inaccessible to the US.
- The front line is fluid, and Putin has pulled back from insisting all contested oblasts be fully Russian.
Turning Point in US-Ukraine Relations
- Trump's meeting with Zelensky at the Pope's funeral marked a turning point in US support for Ukraine.
- This minerals deal represents Trump's long-term investment and a win for Ukraine's ongoing support.