US minerals deal to Ukraine way to get paid back: Middle East envoy

By Yasin Gungor

ISTANBUL (AA) - Steve Witkoff, US special envoy to the Middle East, defended a proposed minerals deal with Ukraine on Thursday, stating it is a way for Washington to recoup its contributions to the war effort against Russia.

“He (President Donald Trump) found out that we had contributed significantly more than the Europeans to this war effort, but the Europeans had loan agreements to pay them back. He just didn't think that was fair,” Witkoff told Fox News.

The deal, which reportedly requires Ukraine to cede half its revenues from minerals, gas, oil and infrastructure, aims to create a $500 billion fund controlled by the US.

Witkoff emphasized that the agreement is similar to European loan arrangements, ensuring the US is repaid for its support.

The proposal has faced criticism from Kyiv, which seeks security guarantees in exchange.