Bessent’s column came on the day it was expected Zelenskyy and the U.S. would finalize terms of the minerals deal. However, it was reported Saturday that Ukraine was considering a revised U.S. proposal for its extensive natural resources that calls for the country to give up half of its revenues from rare earth minerals, gas, and oil, as well as from the earnings from its ports and other infrastructure.
FT reported that the deal called for a reconstruction investment fund, into which Ukraine would contribute 50% through mineral resources until it hit a threshold of $500 billion.
The Trump administration's terms, if approved, will take funds from Ukraine that are now being invested in its defense and military industry and money that could help rebuild the nation once the three-year war comes to an end.