Geopolitical Gambit: What the U.S.-Ukraine Mineral Agreement Really Means

Political Illusions and the Geopolitical Chessboard: What Lies Behind the U.S.-Ukraine Mineral Agreement?

The Russian information space has once again been flooded with false narratives: allegedly, Donald Trump's "mineral agreement" is meant to punish Ukraine for its allegiance to Biden and its relentless resistance to Putin’s will. In reality, these claims are nothing more than distorted reflections of the delusional world in which Russian propaganda operates.

Trump is not waging war against Ukraine—he is playing a complex geopolitical game in which Russia cannot be the winner. Those who take his statements literally fail to see the entire chessboard: every move he makes is a tactical step designed to strengthen the position of the United States. They fail to grasp the full picture of the struggle. They do not understand that Trump is strategically positioning his pieces on the chessboard, systematically removing Putin from Ukraine’s map.

What Does the U.S.-Ukraine Mineral Agreement Mean?

The signing of a framework agreement on mineral extraction between the United States and Ukraine is not just a commercial contract; it is the foundation for the presence of American companies in Ukraine. And who protects American business?

The U.S. military.

American investments in Ukrainian infrastructure, ports, and the gas transportation system create economic interests that the United States will be forced to defend.

If U.S. companies establish operations even in temporarily occupied territories, what will that mean?

The same thing: the U.S. military will be there to protect its business interests. Trump, by offering Russia an illusory “candy”, has in fact created a legal framework for U.S. intervention in the conflict—not as an ally of Ukraine or Russia, but as a neutral party defending American economic interests. However, in reality, this means that the U.S. is preparing for direct confrontation with Russia in defense of its commercial interests in Ukraine.

Thus, within a year or two, Ukraine—without joining NATO (which Putin sees as his long-awaited concession)—will instead host a U.S. military contingent, tasked with securing its strategic assets. And if Putin dares to interfere, his forces will be eliminated just as swiftly as Wagner mercenaries in Syria or Russian operatives in Iraq.

What’s in the U.S.-Ukraine Agreement?

Russians mistakenly perceive the signed document as yet another step toward Ukraine’s surrender to Trump, believing he is playing in Putin’s favor. In reality, this is merely a chess move in a grand strategic game.

The signed document is nothing more than a framework protocol of intentions. Ukraine has not received any additional security guarantees. The United States has not received recognition of its financial aid as Ukrainian debt obligations. But Washington doesn’t need that.

Trump never intended for it to be otherwise. The true purpose of the agreement is to lay the groundwork for long-term control over Ukraine’s economic assets, which inherently justifies the presence of the U.S. military to safeguard them.

Ukraine acknowledges this reality and accepts it. That is why agreements are being signed with Washington, negotiations are ongoing with Ankara, and new contracts for reconstruction are being prepared. This is not a surrender but a strategic transformation of Ukraine into a battlefield where the West plays its economic and military game against Moscow.

And what is the real advantage for Ukrainian citizens? Unlike in the past, all financial flows will be controlled by those providing the money, rather than by Ukraine’s beloved oligarchs and corrupt officials.

What’s Next?

All major businesses in Ukraine are now under threat of nationalization. Zelensky has the power and authority to remove any oligarch in the name of national security and return their assets to state ownership due to the illegality of their privatization—something present in nearly every such case. So far, Zelensky has not rushed to use this power.

However, after martial law is lifted, the balance of power may shift, and then the question of who truly controls the country will become even more critical.

But the most important thing has already happened: the great game has begun.

Trump has positioned his pieces and opened the hunting season on the Russian bear. And Putin, savoring the "candy," foolishly offering Trump a grand piece of Russia in exchange for a so-called “peace” that exists only in his imagination, still doesn’t realize what he has truly been handed.

Just like the entire Russian population, gleefully celebrating a victory they have fabricated for themselves.