US Softens Ukraine Minerals Deal to $100B, No Future Security Guarantees, Amid Trump's Criticized Approach

Former UK Defense Minister Tobias Ellwood has criticized President Donald Trump's approach to the Ukraine conflict, suggesting that Trump's narrative and mixed signals, along with President Joe Biden's hesitance, have emboldened Russia to intensify its actions in Ukraine. Ellwood warns that Trump's worldview, which favors chaotic and interest-driven deals with adversaries over traditional US-Europe alliances, leaves Europe vulnerable and in need of bolstering its own security. Ellwood also commented on Trump's focus on securing a minerals deal with Russia rather than supporting Ukraine, accusing the US of using talks about Ukrainian mining as a distraction from its diminishing support. He further stated that Putin feels unthreatened by Trump, putting European security at risk if the West does not stand firm against Russian aggression. Ellwood also mentioned that Trump's focus on winning a Nobel Prize detracts from delivering peace in Ukraine. In related developments, the US has reportedly softened its demands on a minerals deal with Ukraine following recent talks in Washington. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated that a deal could be signed as early as this week, with both parties being 'very close' to a final decision. The deal involves Ukraine repaying US aid, reduced from an estimate of $300 billion to $100 billion, through its natural resources, with the US controlling an investment fund for Ukraine's recovery. Trump's offer includes no future security guarantees for Ukraine. Meanwhile, the EU does not anticipate the US lifting tariffs, as there has been no progress in trade negotiations with the Trump administration, according to Bloomberg.