In a striking development in U.S.-Ukraine relations, President Donald Trump has revealed efforts to secure compensation for the billions of dollars in aid provided to Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia. The announcement came during his address at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) near Washington, where he emphasized the need for Ukraine to reciprocate the substantial financial support it has received from the United States.

“I’m trying to get the money back, or secured,” Trump told CPAC delegates. “We’re asking for rare earth minerals, oil, anything we can get. It’s just not fair that we’ve put up so much without getting something in return. I think we’re pretty close to a deal, and we better be, because this has been a horrible situation.”

The remarks underscore a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy under Trump, who has sought to recalibrate Washington’s approach to the Ukraine crisis. His administration is currently negotiating a mineral resources deal with Kyiv, which Trump views as a form of reimbursement for the aid provided by his predecessor, Joe Biden. However, the proposal has sparked resistance from Ukrainian officials, who argue that the terms are overly demanding and lack clarity.

According to reports, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is “not ready” to sign the deal in its current form. A Ukrainian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AFP that Kyiv is seeking revisions to the draft agreement. “In its current form, the president is not ready to accept it. We are still trying to make changes and add constructiveness,” the source said.

Ukraine is particularly insistent on including security guarantees in any agreement with the United States, as it continues to fend off Russia’s nearly three-year-long invasion. The negotiations come amid escalating tensions between Trump and Zelensky, with the U.S. president recently labelling his Ukrainian counterpart a “dictator” and urging him to “move fast” to end the war.

The Kiel Institute, a German economic research body, estimates that total U.S. assistance to Ukraine, including financial, humanitarian, and military aid, amounts to approximately 114.2 billion euros ($119.8 billion) from 2022 through 2024.

Despite the friction, talks between the two nations remain ongoing, according to a senior Ukrainian official. The negotiations are unfolding against the backdrop of Ukraine’s struggle to hold its ground against Russian forces. On Saturday, Moscow’s defence ministry claimed the capture of Novolyubivka in the eastern Lugansk region, further underscoring the challenges faced by Kyiv’s military.

As Ukraine prepares to mark the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion on Monday, international support for Kyiv remains a focal point. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer reiterated the United Kingdom’s “ironclad support” for Ukraine during a phone call with Zelensky on Saturday.

Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that the UK will unveil a significant package of sanctions against Russia on Monday, coinciding with the invasion anniversary. In London, thousands of people marched in solidarity with Ukraine on Saturday, reflecting strong public support for Kyiv in the UK.

As the war enters its fourth year, the outcome of the U.S.-Ukraine negotiations could have far-reaching implications for the conflict and the broader geopolitical landscape. While Trump’s push for compensation highlights his administration’s transactional approach to foreign policy, Ukraine’s insistence on security guarantees underscores the high stakes for a nation fighting for its survival.

The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether the two allies can bridge their differences and forge a deal that addresses both their interests—or whether the growing tensions will further complicate an already fraught relationship.