U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent speaks on the White Home in Washington on Feb. 3, 2025.
Elizabeth Frantz | Reuters
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will head to Ukraine for discussions concerning the battle with Russia, U.S. President Donald Trump introduced Tuesday.
Trump mentioned in a submit on Fact Social that Bessent will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and steered the 2 leaders may focus on pathways to ending the battle.
“This Warfare MUST and WILL END SOON — An excessive amount of Dying and Destruction,” Trump mentioned within the submit. “The U.S. has spent BILLIONS of {Dollars} Globally, with little to point out. WHEN AMERICA IS STRONG, THE WORLD IS AT PEACE,” Trump additionally mentioned within the submit.
Bloomberg Information beforehand reported that Bessent would journey to Kyiv. The Bloomberg report mentioned discussions may contain giving the U.S. entry to mineral reserves in return for continued help.
In an interview that aired Monday, Trump instructed Fox Information that he needed “the equal of like $500 billion value of uncommon earth” from Ukraine. Zelenskyy has indicated openness to a deal round strategic minerals.
The way forward for U.S. assist for Ukraine’s battle in opposition to Russia turned clouded by Trump’s victory in November. A few of Trump’s high-profile supporters have been essential of U.S. spending on the battle, and Trump has mentioned he may finish the battle in “24 hours.” Trump has additionally threatened new sanctions on Russia if it doesn’t agree to finish the battle.
The president’s curiosity to find new methods for the U.S. to entry essential minerals seems to increase past Ukraine, as Trump has additionally floated the thought of the buying resource-rich Greenland from Denmark.
Bessent, a former hedge fund govt, was confirmed as head of the Treasury final month, one week after Trump’s inauguration. Bessent instructed senators throughout his affirmation listening to that he believed the sanctions on Russia beneath the Biden administration weren’t sturdy sufficient.
