Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast
What's behind the Ukraine-US minerals deal?
May 20, 2025
Antonia Juhasz, a writer for Rolling Stone Magazine and investigative journalist, dives into the complex U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal amidst ongoing conflict. She unpacks the geopolitical implications and Ukraine's strategy to pivot away from fossil fuels. Antonia highlights the deal's roots in military support and critiques its potential impact on Ukraine's sovereignty. The conversation probes the motivations behind the agreement and questions whether it truly serves Ukraine's best interests, offering a nuanced look at international negotiations.
13:04
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Quick takeaways
- The US-Ukraine minerals deal grants the US significant control over Ukraine's natural resources, undermining Ukraine's economic autonomy during conflict.
- Shifting negotiation dynamics indicate a troubling alignment between US interests and Russian influence, potentially compromising Ukraine's territorial integrity.
Deep dives
The Minerals Agreement and Its Origins
A recent deal between the United States and Ukraine centers on access to Ukraine's natural resources, particularly its critical minerals and oil. The initial concept for this agreement originated from Ukrainian President Zelensky during the Biden administration, aimed at incentivizing American investment in Ukraine. However, negotiations shifted dramatically with the transition to the Trump administration, transforming the deal into a method of leveraging Ukraine's resources for military support. This new approach effectively turned the agreement into a means for the U.S. to exert influence over Ukraine's resources during ongoing conflict.
