Trump proposes post-war trade with both Ukraine and Russia, touts trillion-dollar minerals deal
US President Donald Trump has declared that the United States wants to engage in trade with both Kyiv and Moscow once the war in Ukraine is over. He also highlighted a minerals deal with Ukraine, estimating its potential value at up to $1 trillion. His remarks come as Washington seeks a path towards ending the conflict and faces questions over future relations with Russia.
Trump aims for trade with both sides
Trump spoke about his intentions on Saturday, October 24, 2026, after voting in Florida in the US congressional elections. When asked by reporters, he said that he expects post-war commercial relations with both countries.
The US President also voiced his desire to see a scenario where Russia and Ukraine reach an agreement. As he envisions it, the end of hostilities could open the door for renewed economic cooperation.
However, he has not presented any specific plan outlining the scope of future trade with Moscow. His statements should therefore be seen as a declaration of intent, not the announcement of any concluded commercial agreements.
Minerals deal with Ukraine could reach $1 trillion
During his remarks, Trump emphasized the agreement between the United States and Ukraine concerning mineral resources. He estimated its potential value at up to $1 trillion.
The deal provides a framework for cooperation involving Ukrainian natural resources and investment. Its real economic impact will depend on specific projects, the amount of capital invested, market trends, and the security situation in Ukraine.
The $1 trillion estimate does not imply that Ukraine will automatically receive this sum or that contracts of this volume have already been signed. It represents the potential scope of economic opportunities that may develop over time.
Trump also argued that the US should have demanded greater financial compensation for its previous assistance to Ukraine, asserting that European countries could have carried a larger share of the support costs for Kyiv.
Russia reportedly interested in energy investment in Alaska
Reporters also questioned Trump about Russia’s possible interest in investing in Alaska’s natural gas sector. The President did not comment on any concrete proposals.
Energy is one of the sectors where a potential renewal of US-Russia economic relations could have significant consequences. Any such cooperation would hinge on political agreements, sanctions in place, regulatory conditions, and the security environment.
So far, Trump’s remarks do not confirm that Russian companies are preparing to invest in Alaska. He merely responded to a question about Moscow’s possible interest.
Tensions persist between Trump and Zelensky
Trump has recently repeatedly criticized Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, especially over Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and energy infrastructure. The US President advocates ending the war through an agreement, but Kyiv and Moscow continue to have conflicting ideas about the conditions for peace.
Ukraine rejects any solution that could threaten its territorial integrity and security. Russia, on the other hand, insists on its demands concerning occupied territories and future security arrangements. These disputes remain a significant hurdle to achieving a lasting peace deal.
Trump’s vision for future trade with both nations therefore largely depends on stopping the fighting and negotiating conditions acceptable to all parties involved.
Melania Trump does not rule out Ukraine visit
At the same event, First Lady Melania Trump also spoke to reporters. Asked if she plans to visit Ukraine in the near future, she replied tersely, “We’ll see.”
Donald Trump then suggested that such a visit could take place. He also praised his wife for her efforts in mediating a humanitarian ceasefire in the town of Olešky, located in the occupied part of the Kherson region.
According to a White House statement, Melania Trump has been involved in communication between Russian and Ukrainian civilian officials to facilitate humanitarian aid deliveries and prepare for the evacuation of residents. The announced ceasefire relates to a specific area and does not mean an agreement to stop fighting across all of Ukraine.
Peace deal remains crucial
Trump’s plans for trade with both Ukraine and Russia indicate that the US president is considering potential economic ties that could be established after the conflict. However, it remains unclear when the war might end or what terms a future peace agreement could contain.
For Ukraine, it will be important that any future economic cooperation delivers investment and recovery for the country without undermining its security. For Russia, the role of sanctions and whether they would gradually be lifted after the war concludes remains to be seen.
The concrete details of future trade relations will be determined by upcoming political negotiations and decisions on both sides. Trump’s statements suggest the direction Washington intends to take once the conflict ends.
READ ALSO
- After phone call with Putin, Trump says Russian president wants Ukraine deal
- Ukraine is eligible to apply for EU and NATO membership. Parliament approves constitution change
- Denisa Saková held talks at the White House on American gas deliveries and alternatives to Russian oil
This article was translated from the original Slovak version with the assistance of AI.
