Media: Ukraine minerals deal fails to shift Putin as Trump hesitates on tougher measures

The Trump administration is celebrating a new economic cooperation deal with Ukraine, though officials admit it's unlikely to shift Russian President Vladimir Putin’s firm stance on peace talks, and the White House remains divided on next steps. 

The minerals deal, unveiled on May 1, gives the U.S. preferential rights to critical mineral extraction in post-war Ukraine and establishes a joint investment fund aimed at reconstruction, Caliber.Az reports per Politico.

While publicly hailed as “historic” by Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, some within the administration see it as only a modest tool in stalled diplomacy.

“This is a strong signal to the Russian leadership,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who led the talks, adding that it improves President Trump’s hand in negotiations. Bessent claimed the deal changes Ukraine’s negotiating position, saying Trump has now “dealt him the royal flush” following a tense Oval Office meeting in February where Trump had dismissed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s leverage.

Despite the show of unity with Kyiv, Putin remains unmoved. He has rejected U.S. proposals to freeze the front lines of the war in exchange for peace — proposals that would leave Russia in control of substantial Ukrainian territory. Trump envoy Steve Witkoff has met with Putin four times in recent months with no breakthrough.

Inside the administration, debate persists over whether to escalate pressure on the Kremlin. A bipartisan sanctions proposal from Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) — including 500% tariffs on buyers of Russian oil, gas and aluminium — has gained traction in the Senate, potentially enough to overcome a presidential veto. Trump, however, has yet to publicly endorse the plan.

“The next turn of the screw would be more sanctions — if the president wants to go that route,” said one official familiar with internal talks.

Former diplomat Richard Haass welcomed the agreement as a positive sign for U.S.-Ukraine ties but warned it is no substitute for sustained military and intelligence support. “We shouldn’t oversell this,” Haass said. “It’s not a game-changer.”

Trump continues to pitch the deal as a way for Americans to “recoup” the $120 billion spent in defense aid to Ukraine, though the final agreement does not mandate repayment.

By Aghakazim Guliyev