Summary
Donald Trump seeks near-total control over Ukraine’s critical minerals, energy assets, and infrastructure in a new draft deal, significantly expanding his previous demands.
The proposal, sent to Kyiv, includes no security guarantees for Ukraine, sparking concerns about sovereignty and dependence on the US.
Energy law experts called the terms unprecedented, noting the US could withdraw without obligation. Trump also suggested US control of Ukraine’s nuclear plants.
Critics warn Russia may exploit Trump’s urgency for a quick deal, complicating peace efforts and post-war stability.
Well this is certainly applying the M&A playbook to geopolitics. Eat the meek when they’re down. It’s just good business.
Reminds me of his “we must take the oil” strategy to Iraq a few years back.
Problem is that countries aren’t businesses, they’re people, and alliances aren’t just built on finance - they’re built on trust, stability and shared cultural values.
And optics matter, even in business, you can get a reputation as a cannibal and people will no longer work for or with you. Relationships are like oxygen for business. If you don’t have them, it’s you next on the chopping block.
Yeah, I think that’s a lesson a certain orange parasite never learned.
Maybe that’s part of the reason why his businesses failed?