Donald Trump has, for the first time, recognised Russia’s assault on Ukraine as a “full-scale” invasion, according to a leaked draft of a minerals agreement obtained by The Telegraph.
The document states: “The United States of America has provided significant financial and material support to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion.” The shift in language marks a notable departure from the Trump administration’s previous stance, which had referred to the conflict only as the “Russia-Ukraine conflict” and avoided directly blaming Moscow.
The acknowledgment will be seen as a diplomatic win for Kyiv.
The leaked agreement also outlines plans for future U.S. military assistance, potentially funded through Ukraine’s extensive mineral reserves. In addition, it includes a pledge that the U.S. will not use the deal to obstruct Ukraine’s ambitions to join the European Union.
Agreement between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of Ukraine
[…] on the establishment of the American-Ukrainian Reconstruction Investment FundWHEREAS, the United States of America has provided significant financial and material support to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022;
WHEREAS, the American people desire to invest with Ukraine in a free, sovereign, and secure Ukraine
WHEREAS, the United States of America and Ukraine desire lasting peace in Ukraine and a strong partnership between their peoples and governments;
Ukraine willing to accept Russian-occupied land temporarily, says Trump envoy
Ukraine is prepared to accept, at least temporarily, Russian control over currently occupied territory as part of potential peace negotiations, according to Donald Trump’s special envoy, Keith Kellogg.
Speaking to Fox News on Wednesday, Kellogg said Kyiv had indicated a willingness to recognise the de facto reality on the ground, though not formally ceding the land to Moscow.
“The Ukrainians have already said they’re willing to give up the land… not de jure, forever, but de facto because the Russians actually occupy it,” Kellogg said. “That’s what they’re willing to go to—they told me that last week.”
Russia currently controls around 20% of Ukraine, including much of its industrial heartland.
His remarks come after Kyiv rejected a recent U.S. peace proposal that would have allowed Vladimir Putin to retain most of the territory seized during the invasion.
While Putin has refused to agree to a permanent ceasefire, he announced a limited three-day truce from May 8 to May 11—an offer Kellogg dismissed as “absurd.”
