U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent speaks, on the White Home, in Washington, U.S. February 3, 2025.
Elizabeth Frantz | Reuters
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will head to Ukraine for discussions concerning the struggle with Russia, U.S. President Donald Trump introduced Tuesday.
Trump stated in a submit on Reality Social that Bessent will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and advised the 2 leaders might focus on pathways to ending the battle.
“This Battle MUST and WILL END SOON — An excessive amount of Loss of life and Destruction,” Trump stated 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.”
Bloomberg Information beforehand reported that Bessent would journey to Kyiv. The Bloomberg report stated that discussions might contain giving the U.S. entry to mineral reserves in return for continued support.
In an interview that aired Monday, Trump advised Fox Information that he wished “the equal of like $500 billion price 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 combat towards Russia turned clouded by Trump’s victory in November. A few of Trump’s high-profile supporters have been vital of U.S. spending on the struggle, and Trump has stated he might finish the struggle in “24 hours.” Trump has additionally threatened new sanctions on Russia if they don’t agree to finish the struggle.
The president’s curiosity to find new methods for the U.S. to entry vital 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 government, was confirmed as head of the Treasury final month, one week after Trump’s inauguration. Bessent advised Senators throughout his affirmation listening to that he believed the sanctions on Russia underneath the Biden administration weren’t sturdy sufficient.