Trump announces 'major economic development transactions' with Russia in 'huge reversal'
Donald Trump announced a cryptic preview of "major" economic transactions between the U.S. and Russia as he put more public pressure on Ukraine to accept the terms of his peace deal — and he again needled Canada's prime minister by calling him the wrong title.
The president posted the message Monday afternoon on Truth Social after meeting with French president Emmanuel Macron, and he repeated his insistence that Ukraine must hand over half of its rare earth minerals and other resources to the U.S. in perpetuity as payback for military aid given to fight off Russia, which invaded the nation exactly three years ago.
"Today, President Emmanuel Macron of France joined me in the Oval Office to speak to the G7 Summit," Trump posted. "The meeting was convened by Governor Justin Trudeau of Canada, the current chair of G7, to acknowledge the Third Anniversary of the Russia-Ukraine War – Which would have never started if I was President."
Trump has been mocking Trudeau as "governor" of the 51st state and has said he would like to annex Canada, but he refuses to say that Russia is responsible for the war in Ukraine.
"Everyone expressed their goal of seeing the War end, and I emphasized the importance of the vital 'Critical Minerals and Rare-Earths Deal' between the United States and Ukraine, which we hope will be signed very soon!" Trump posted. "This deal, which is an 'Economic Partnership,' will ensure the American people recoup the Tens of Billions of Dollars and Military Equipment sent to Ukraine, while also helping Ukraine’s economy grow as this Brutal and Savage War comes to an end.
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"At the same time, I am in serious discussions with President Vladimir Putin of Russia concerning the ending of the War, and also major Economic Development transactions which will take place between the United States and Russia," he added. "Talks are proceeding very well!"
Trump's announcement of renewed economic activity between the U.S. and Russia would be a sharp reversal from its previous stance in response to Russia's annexation of Crimea and various human rights abuses.
"IN CASE THERE IS any doubt the USA has switched sides in the invasion of Ukraine," posted Canadian journalist Mark Towhey. "How soon will Trump lift sanctions against Putin?"
"President Trump says he is in 'serious discussions' with Putin about ending the war in Ukraine, as well as 'major economic development transactions' between the US & Russia," said Sara Cook, White House producer for CBS News. "This would be a huge reversal from previous US policy of sanctioning and isolating Russia."
"Getting that Russian money is the core of Trump's waking days," said the X account Jay in Kyiv.
"Trump's statement on the third anniversary of what he conspicuously does not call Russia's aggression against Ukraine is notable mostly for the friendly words about Putin, the 'discussions' the two are having without Kyiv, and planned 'major economic development transactions,'" added national security writer Kyle Orton.
"It's worth reminding now and then that the reason the US has supported Ukraine in the war is that 1) Russia attacked an independent nation to take away its independence," said retired nuclear scientist Cheryl Rofer. "2) This is unacceptable. It is specifically forbidden by the UN, to which Russia has signed on. 3) A win for Russia makes the world more unpredictable. There will be more wars. So we support Ukraine both for the people of Ukraine and for the peace of the world itself."