Trump’s Minerals Deal with Ukraine: A Complex Web of Diplomacy and Conflict
Former President Donald Trump’s special envoy, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, has been instrumental in negotiating a rare-minerals agreement with Ukraine, a country besieged by Russia’s invasion. The proposed deal would grant the United States access to Ukraine’s natural resources in exchange for billions of dollars in support against Russia.
The Mineral Deal’s Uncertain Fate
While Trump and Kellogg express optimism about the deal’s proximity to completion, its fate remains uncertain. Russia’s ongoing military advances and the intricate geopolitical dynamics present formidable challenges. Rebekah Koffler, a former Defence Intelligence Agency officer, highlights the delicate balance at play:
"The outcome of Trump’s play for the rare earth minerals is uncertain… It is the battle of the wills between the master of manipulation Putin and the master of the Art of the Deal, President Trump."
Koffler emphasizes the strategic significance of Ukraine’s mineral deposits, particularly those in the Donbas region, which Russia currently controls. Putin’s awareness of Trump’s unconventional business tactics raises concerns about the deal’s viability.
Kellogg’s Visit to Ukraine: A Testament to the Human Toll
Kellogg’s visit to Ukraine included a somber visit to the Irpin Military Hospital, where he met with wounded Ukrainian soldiers facing amputations and severe injuries. The visit left a profound impact on Kellogg, reinforcing his belief in the imperative of ending the conflict.
"The biggest reason I wanted to come here was President Trump has said he wants to stop the killing, and you’ve got to go to the place where you see what killing looks like — what death looks like — and see young men and women who have been wounded and combat," Kellogg said. "As a soldier, you owe them that respect. As a leader, you owe that respect. And that’s one of the reasons I wanted to come here to do that, and this gives me an opportunity to see them."
Ukraine’s Trust and the Question of Negotiation
During his visit, Kellogg faced questions from Ukrainian soldiers about the trustworthiness of Russia in negotiations. While recognizing that all wars eventually end through diplomacy, Kellogg stressed the importance of trust among allies.
"I think a better question would be: Can you trust the people that you are with to make sure that they’re with you? Its sort of like you ask a deeper question: Are you with us? And the answer is, yes, we are," Kellogg said.
The High Stakes of Negotiation
Kellogg emphasized the responsibility of diplomats to find a just conclusion to the conflict, while acknowledging the messy nature of diplomacy. He urged support for Ukraine in their fight for freedom, acknowledging the sacrifices they have made to afford diplomats time for negotiations.
"I think the nations of the world recognize aggression. Sometimes diplomacy for a soldier is messy, but what the soldier does is he gives time for the politicians and the diplomats to come to a conclusion, and that’s the reason why I make that comment that Ukraine owes you — the world owes you — because you basically sacrifice to allow diplomats to find… a good conclusion — a conclusion you fought for. We, in that position, we owe you that. We need to make sure that we end this right."
The Horrific Toll of War
The Wall Street Journal estimates that the Ukraine-Russia war has resulted in nearly one million dead and wounded. Kellogg’s visit to the historic Irpin Bridge, where Ukrainian soldiers defended their country against Russia’s initial invasion, served as a poignant reminder of the conflict’s devastating human cost.
"I know how soldiers fight for freedom and the people fight for people. I know what I mean. Anybody who fought for freedom understands what they did. [Coming here] was just a chance to see one of the places that they fought and give them the respect that they deserve — their soldiers — and that’s why I wanted to come out to do it. That seems one of the things I can do, is just pass on my respects," Kellogg said.
Tribute to the Soldiers’ Courage
Kellogg’s tribute at the Irpin Bridge honored the soldiers who fought against Russian imperialism. He recognized the intangible heart that fueled their resistance, emphasizing that their courage saved Ukraine.
"One thing that you can never really understand until you see it is the intangible heart [of soldiers] and what they showed here was heart. And that’s something you can’t measure. And that’s what really saved Ukraine. It wasn’t necessarily the weapons, it wasn’t necessarily the fact that the world was against Russia’s invasion — it was the fact that soldiers decided to fight for their country."
Conclusion
The minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine remains a complex and uncertain endeavor, intertwined with the ongoing conflict and intricate geopolitical dynamics. Former President Trump’s special envoy, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, has played a key role in the negotiations, but the outcome remains uncertain. Kellogg’s visit to Ukraine served as a testament to the human toll of the war and the ongoing efforts to find a diplomatic solution.
