Done Deal

After months of tense negotiations, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a natural resources deal Wednesday.

The deal—pursued by President Trump since his inauguration—sets up a joint investment fund that keeps Uncle Sam engaged in the war against Russia while providing a path for profit. Here’s how it works: 

• Ukraine contributes 50% of profits from mining government-owned rare-earth minerals, oil, and gas to the fund
• The U.S. contributes to the fund directly or with military aid
• For the first 10 years, profits will be reinvested into Ukraine’s reconstruction; then, profits will be distributed between the partners

Notably absent from the deal: President Zelenskyy’s desired security guarantees and Trump’s desired repayment of the billions in military aid Washington already provided.

The White House celebrated the win-win partnership; critics say it reduces Ukraine to a “virtual colony.”

CHRISTIAN RESPONSE
Join us in prayer for peace in Eastern Europe, confident that God hears and grants our prayers when we pray “according to his will” (1 John 5:14–15).

“Almighty God, from whom all thoughts of truth and peace proceed: Kindle, we pray, in the hearts of all people the true love of peace, and guide with your pure and peaceable wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth; that in tranquility your kingdom may go forward, till the earth is filled with the knowledge of your love; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.”
Book of Common Prayer, page 654