US Carrying Russian Gas

According to reports, the United States of America has asked for control of a crucial gas pipeline in Ukraine that takes Russian natural gas to Europe. This demand is part of contentious negotiations between U.S. and Ukrainian officials related to a broader minerals and resources deal. The current U.S. proposal is more aggressive than previous drafts, seeking control of the pipeline, as well as extensive access to Ukraine's mineral resources, without offering clear military support or security guarantees in return. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is resisting these demands, calling instead for a mutually beneficial agreement involving joint investment and equitable profit sharing.

The pipeline in question stretches from Sudzha in Russia to Uzhhorod on Ukraine’s western border and has historically generated significant transit revenues. Zelenskyy has emphasized the importance of preserving Ukraine’s sovereignty and interests.

In the meantime, U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg's controversial remarks about a possible division of Ukraine have sparked criticism, though he later clarified his remarks. As Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff spoke with Vladimir Putin about possible territorial concessions, diplomatic tensions continue. While allied nations pledged an additional €21 billion in military aid to Ukraine, Russia continues to conduct aerial attacks on Ukrainian civilian targets, exacerbating the ongoing conflict.

Ukraine is dispatching a negotiation team to Washington to discuss an expanded minerals deal with the United States, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. The talks aim to align both nations on project selection, legal frameworks, and long-term investment mechanisms. Ukraine possesses significant deposits of over 20 critical minerals, including titanium, lithium, and uranium, vital for sectors like energy, military, and nuclear power. However, tensions persist over resource control: the U.S. seeks a 50% share of future revenues from key Ukrainian resources and additional rights to Ukrainian oil and gas, sparking concerns among Kyiv lawmakers.

President Volodymyr Zelensky remains open to a framework agreement to reinforce U.S. support in Ukraine’s conflict with Russia, though an earlier attempt to sign a deal failed after a poorly received Oval Office meeting. The revised U.S. draft is more extensive and may require Ukrainian parliamentary ratification. Svyrydenko emphasized that the leaked draft reflects only American interests, and Ukraine will present its own demands, including specifics on a joint fund intended to develop mineral projects and help rebuild Ukraine. Final terms are to be determined through upcoming negotiations.

Through a developing agreement with Virginia-based Venture Global, Ukraine's largest private energy company, DTEK, is intensifying efforts to diversify away from Russian energy by expanding liquid natural gas (LNG) imports from the United States. This initiative is in line with U.S. President Trump's energy policy and is bolstered by enhanced U.S.-Ukraine business relations. DTEK CEO Maxim Timchenko emphasized the strategic shift from war-focused aid to commercial cooperation, highlighting the successful delivery of LNG through Greece and integration into Europe’s gas network. Improved security conditions following a partial ceasefire with Russia have allowed renewed infrastructure rebuilding, including a €7 billion modernization plan for Kyiv’s energy grid. DTEK is also investing in battery storage projects in Poland and maintaining Ukraine’s energy export capabilities. Ukraine, possessing significant natural gas reserves and Europe’s largest gas storage system, is positioning itself as a crucial player in European energy security. Meanwhile, the Trump administration continues to support a rare-earth minerals deal with Ukraine as an added layer of strategic assurance. Timchenko praised the investment-driven strategy taken by the United States, asserting that economic partnerships can enhance national security by complementing conventional defense strategies. On April 11, 2025, tense negotiations took place in Washington between U.S. and Ukrainian officials regarding a proposed agreement for U.S. access to Ukraine's mineral resources. The talks were described as "antagonistic" due to the Trump administration's expansive and aggressive draft proposal. The draft calls for privileged U.S. access to Ukraine's mineral wealth and mandates that all resource-related revenues be placed into a joint investment fund, but it does not offer Ukraine any U.S. security guarantees—an essential demand from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy amid the ongoing Russian occupation of 20% of Ukrainian territory. Notably, the proposal also wants the United States to take control of a crucial Gazprom natural gas pipeline that runs through Ukraine. Ukraine has retained law firm Hogan Lovells for counsel on the deal. President Trump aims to use the mineral agreement to help end the war and recoup U.S. military aid provided to Kyiv. For meetings with the IMF and World Bank later this month, high-ranking Ukrainian officials are anticipated in Washington, where the issue may be further discussed. Documentos filtrados afirman que Donald Trump está exigiendo que Ucrania entregue la mitad de su petróleo, gas y metales a cambio del apoyo estadounidense. Según los términos del borrador de este acuerdo, revelados por The Telegraph, EE. Up until Kyiv pays a war debt of £81 million with four percent interest, the United Kingdom gained control of Ukraine's primary infrastructure and natural resources. El acuerdo permitiría a EE. U.S. prohibit the export of Ukrainian resources to Europe or China. Alan Riley, un experto en derecho energético, ha calificado el documento como de expropiación, señalando que no ofrece garantías ni cláusulas de defensa y permite que los estadounidenses se retiren, pero no a los ucranianos. Additionally, it was reported that Trump's business associates were secretly discussing the Nord Stream reaction with Kremlin-connected financiers. The Urengoy–Pomary–Uzhhorod pipeline is a natural gas pipeline that transports gas from the Urengoy gas field in Russia to Uzhhorod in western Ukraine, and then into Europe