Donald Trump has reportedly lowered his demand for Ukraine to repay U.S. war aid. He now wants $100 billion instead of $300 billion. This shift comes as talks between Washington and Kyiv continue over a rare minerals deal. Trump Lowers Ukraine Debt demand significantly, which originally insisted that Ukraine must repay the full cost of aid provided during its war with Russia. But after months of failed proposals and strong pushback, both sides are now seeing signs of progress.
In February, Trump sent U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to Ukraine with a proposal. The plan offered American financial and military support in exchange for access to Ukraine’s oil, gas, and mineral resources. It was widely criticized as exploitative. European allies and Ukrainian officials pointed out that much of the $175 billion in U.S. aid was actually spent in the U.S., mainly on weapons production. However, with Trump lowering Ukraine’s debt demand, some criticisms have eased.
Zelensky Strongly Rejected Trump’s Initial Proposal
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky quickly rejected Trump’s original demand. He said Ukraine was not for sale. He also pushed back on the idea that the U.S. aid was a loan. According to Zelensky, his country accepted support, not debt. His refusal triggered a tense exchange at the White House during his last visit. That meeting with Trump and Vice President JD Vance ended in a heated argument. This change came before Trump Lowers Ukraine Debt to a more manageable figure.
Despite the friction, recent updates show a shift in tone. Bloomberg reported that Trump has dropped the repayment demand to $100 billion. Zelensky said more discussions are expected. Secretary Bessent stated the deal could even be signed “as early as this week,” signaling a new sense of urgency and compromise from both sides.
New Minerals Deal Draft Causes Mixed Reactions
Even though talks are improving, Ukraine is still unhappy with parts of the new U.S. proposal. The latest draft gives the U.S. priority access to Ukraine’s mineral wealth. It also asks Ukraine to put all earnings from natural resources into a shared investment fund with the U.S. That idea has raised serious concerns among Ukrainian lawmakers.
What’s missing from the draft is a promise of future protection. Zelensky has been clear: any deal must include solid security guarantees. He wants firm steps to prevent future Russian aggression. Without this, any economic partnership with the U.S. feels incomplete, and perhaps dangerous, to Ukraine.
Ukraine Insists on Fair Terms That Benefit Both Sides
President Zelensky has stated that Ukraine will only agree to a deal that works for both nations. He wants terms that protect his country’s independence and help modernize its economy. His government continues working closely with U.S. officials to improve the agreement while managing the situation where Trump Lowers Ukraine Debt.
With several key meetings coming up, both sides hope to reach an understanding. The International Monetary Fund and World Bank will hold high-level events next week. A Ukraine-focused session is scheduled for April 25. Top Ukrainian officials, including the Prime Minister and Finance Minister, will visit Washington to take part in the discussions. These events may push the minerals deal forward.
Russia Launches Deadly Attack as Peace Talks Drag
While Kyiv and Washington negotiate, the war continues to rage on the ground. Over the weekend, Russia struck the city of Sumy with missiles. The attack killed 34 people, including two children, and injured over 100 others. Moscow claimed it was targeting Ukrainian military leaders. But the devastation hit civilians hardest.
When asked about the attack, Trump called it “terrible.” He also said he heard Russia made a “mistake.” When pressed to explain what he meant, he offered no clear answer. He told reporters to “ask them,” without naming who he meant.
Zelensky responded with outrage. He said the attack showed Russia’s complete disregard for human life. He also invited Trump to visit Ukraine. He asked him to see the destruction for himself—hospitals, churches, and schools all torn apart by war.
Trump Blames Ukraine War on 2020 Election Loss
After Zelensky’s public message, Trump posted on his Truth Social account. He claimed the war in Ukraine would never have started if he had remained president. He again said the 2020 election was rigged and suggested that his leadership would have stopped Russia.
Meanwhile, Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, recently traveled to Russia. He met with President Vladimir Putin as part of Trump’s plan to end the war. Trump said the trip was a positive sign and that a ceasefire “might be going OK.”
However, not everyone agrees. Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski spoke out during an EU meeting. He said Russia’s continued attacks show that Putin is mocking Trump’s peace efforts. He reminded the group that Ukraine already agreed to a ceasefire a month ago. Since then, Russia has launched more deadly attacks, including the one on Sumy.
