Kyiv, April 12, 2025 – The United States has reportedly demanded control of a critical pipeline in Ukraine, used historically to transport Russian gas to Europe, in a development described by some as a contentious overreach. This proposal emerged during high-stakes discussions between US and Ukrainian officials on Friday, where the White House outlined plans for a minerals deal. According to Reuters, the talks have grown increasingly contentious, with the latest US draft proving more aggressive than an initial February proposal that sought $500 billion in rare metals, oil, and gas from Ukraine.
The revised document, as cited by a source close to the negotiations, now includes a stipulation for the US government’s International Development Finance Corporation to assume control of the Uzhhorod pipeline, located approximately 1,200 kilometers from Kyiv near the EU and Slovakian border. Constructed during the Soviet era, this pipeline represents a vital piece of Ukraine’s national infrastructure and a significant energy conduit. Its relevance heightened after Ukraine terminated its five-year gas supply contract with Russia’s Gazprom on January 1, ending a lucrative transit fee arrangement that had generated hundreds of millions of euros annually, even amidst the ongoing conflict.
Escalating Tensions and Proposals
Volodymyr Landa, a senior economist at the Kyiv-based Centre for Economic Strategy, characterized the US demands as a “colonial-type” overreach, suggesting they are unlikely to gain Kyiv’s approval. The negotiations stem from a framework proposed last autumn by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who offered US access to Ukraine’s untapped mineral sector in exchange for military support from the incoming Trump administration, with profits to be shared from joint ventures. However, President Donald Trump has rejected security commitments or further weapons aid, instead insisting on immediate resource concessions as “payback” for prior Biden administration support. Last week, Trump accused Zelenskyy of attempting to renege on an agreement, warning of “big problems” should he refuse to comply.
In response, Zelenskyy emphasized a balanced approach during a Thursday press briefing, stating, “I am defending what belongs to Ukraine. Any deal must ensure parity, with revenues split 50-50, benefiting both nations.” The US Treasury confirmed that technical discussions are ongoing, though no formal agreement has been reached.
Geopolitical and Military Developments
Complicating the dialogue, US Special Envoy Keith Kellogg clarified remarks suggesting a potential partition of Ukraine, akin to post-World War II Berlin, as part of a peace deal. In an interview with The Times, Kellogg proposed a post-ceasefire resiliency force to support Ukraine’s sovereignty, with Russian troops retaining seized territories and British and French forces deployed to Kyiv and other regions. He later clarified on X that his comments were misconstrued, focusing on a supportive rather than divisive strategy.
Meanwhile, Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff met with Russian President Vladimir Putin in St Petersburg on Friday, reportedly proposing that Russia retain four Ukrainian provinces—including areas still under Kyiv’s control and home to one million people—as a conflict resolution. This stance contrasts with a €21 billion (£18.2 billion) military aid package announced by Kyiv’s allies at a Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting, accusing Putin of stalling on a 30-day ceasefire accepted by Ukraine.
Ongoing Conflict and Tributes
Russia intensified its aerial assaults early Saturday, targeting civilian infrastructure in Kyiv and destroying three warehouses, injuring two individuals. Ukrainian officials reported that since the US ceasefire proposal on March 11, the Kremlin has launched 70 missiles and 2,200 drones. Amid these attacks, President Zelenskyy honored Captain Pavlo Ivanov, a 26-year-old pilot killed during an F-16 combat mission, praising Ukraine’s small air force for its heroic defense against Russian aggression and support for ground operations.
As negotiations persist, the proposed US control of the Uzhhorod pipeline and resource demands continue to strain US-Ukraine relations, with significant implications for regional energy security and the broader conflict.
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