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In a strategy to avoid an agreement between the US and Russia, Ukraine offers gas, oil, iron and coal to Donald Trump
A Ucrania is browsing through a turbulent political scenario while preparing a strategic plan, known as the “victory plan”, with the aim of strengthening its relations with the new government of Donald Trump.
This move reflects both Kiev's concern to secure continued support from the United States and the need to adapt to the political Trump's foreign policy, a transactional president, that is, someone who evaluates agreements based on direct and concrete advantages for the United States.
The Ukrainian Strategy: Concrete Proposals for Trump
With Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 elections, Ucrania found himself facing a new political landscape. Trump, known for his focus on trade deals and promoting strength Valuation American, can significantly change the dynamics of the war with Russia and military support for Ukraine.
Ukraine then prepared a “victory plan,” outlining tangible proposals to attract Trump’s support while avoiding a possible reduction in US military assistance.
The “victory plan” includes proposals that combine strategic security and economic issues, offering something that could be attractive to Trump and his administration. Among the most prominent ideas, two focus directly on how Ukraine can improve its relations with the United States.
The first involves replacing some American troops in Europe with Ukrainian forces, a move that would have implications for both European security and US military strategies.
The second proposal, initially suggested by Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, calls for greater economic collaboration, with Ukraine sharing its vast natural resources with Western partners, especially the United States.
These proposals are aimed not only at strengthening ties between Ukraine and the United States, but also at ensuring that Washington’s military support does not wither away in the face of Russia’s peace moves. Ukrainian and European allies fear that Trump, seeking a quick deal with Russia, could be persuaded to cut off support for Ukraine, a major setback for the country and its allies.
The Importance of Ukraine's Natural Resources
To understand Kiev’s proposals, it is essential to consider Ukraine’s vast natural resources. The country is rich in minerals and fertile soil, resources that are of great interest to the United States and other Western countries.
Among Ukraine's greatest riches are its enormous reserves of iron ore, coal, natural gas, oil, as well as highly productive soils, such as “chernozem” — black soil that makes Ukraine one of the largest grain exporters in the world.
This mineral and agricultural wealth places Ukraine in a strategic position on the global stage, particularly in the energy and food industries. The export of wheat, corn and barley is vital not only for the Ukrainian economy, but for the food supply in many regions of the world.
Ukraine also plays a significant role in the metals industry and energy production, supplying coal and gas to its European neighbors. These reserves offer Trump and the US an opportunity to increase their presence in the region and diversify their sources of resources.
The idea of sharing these resources with the United States, as suggested in the “victory plan,” would be a way to attract Western investment and ensure that Ukraine becomes a strategic partner and not a burden to the West, as it has sometimes been portrayed. This could attract more capital and foster a stronger relationship between the two countries.
Kiev's concern about a potential reduction in US support
Ukraine, however, is not without its concerns. In confidential talks with Western officials, Ukrainian leaders have expressed fears that the United States may reduce its military support after Trump takes office.
This concern is not unfounded, given that Trump has taken a pragmatic approach to Russia in his first term, fueling suspicions that he may try to reach a peace deal that favors Moscow.
The fear is that under pressure from Putin, who has shown an interest in negotiating a peace deal that involves concessions, the United States could surrender to a solution favorable to Russia while ignoring Ukraine’s needs and interests. As sources involved in strategic planning put it, “the first one to blink loses this game,” referring to the increasing pressure that Moscow could apply.
This situation is even more complex when one considers Russia’s role in the scenario. Putin, who has already shown a willingness to negotiate with Trump, is enjoying his military advantage on the battlefield and will be able to use his strength to force concessions during any negotiations. The expectation is that Russia will be able to push through an agreement that favors its demands, especially with regard to NATO’s military presence in Europe and the autonomy of neighboring countries.
Trump and Ukraine: Negotiations and Dilemmas
The relationship between Trump and Ukraine is far from straightforward. As the Ukrainian government seeks to reach out to Trump and his Republican allies, there is a complex web of interests that must be navigated. Ukraine not only needs to secure military support, but also must meet the demands of a transactional president who seeks concrete benefits from any deal.
For example, Trump has expressed an interest in securing more U.S. investment in Ukraine, especially in strategic sectors such as technology, telecommunications and infrastructure. In a symbolic gesture, Ukrainian business leaders have even proposed creating an “investment screening” mechanism that would allow Trump to choose who can do business in the country, with an emphasis on excluding China from such negotiations. This proposal, still in its early stages, could attract more U.S. investors and reduce Ukraine’s dependence on Chinese suppliers.
Yet as Kiev tries to please Trump, it also needs to balance its own domestic expectations and its relations with Europe. Ukraine’s NATO membership, for example, remains a sore point, and Ukrainian officials know they need to strike a delicate balance to ensure continued support from Western allies without alienating the United States.
The Way Forward for Ukraine and Trump’s Challenges
Ukraine’s future will depend on how it shapes its relationship with the Trump administration, addressing internal and external challenges while seeking to ensure its security and prosperity. A strategy of appeasing Trump’s concerns by offering strategic resources and proposing mutually beneficial security solutions could be key to securing a strong partnership with the United States.
But this relationship is far from simple. In a scenario of difficult negotiations, Ukraine will need to maintain its firm stance towards Putin and not give in to external pressures that could undermine its independence and sovereignty.
The “victory plan” may be an important step, but the real challenge will be navigating the complex power dynamics and ensuring that Ukraine’s interests are respected in any deal.
If Trump and Ukraine can build a strong partnership, it could not only benefit Ukraine but also represent a win for U.S. geopolitics in Eastern Europe. But the stakes are high, and the future of the region remains uncertain.
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