Trump, the most transactional and morally bankrupt U.S. President ever had his bizarre request for Ukraine to turn over 50% of its mineral resources to the United States, as it offered Ukraine nothing in return. One senior Ukrainian official joked they should send eggs instead.

Source: Washington Post

MUNICH — Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky rejected a Trump administration request this past week that Kyiv hand over 50 percent of its mineral resources — an extraordinary demand that could significantly overshadow the value of aid that has been sent to Ukraine.

Ukrainian officials are working on a counterproposal that would still offer Washington more access to the country’s natural resources but would bolster U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, seven people familiar with the discussions said.

And what should they offer instead? Eggs.

The offer and Ukraine’s consideration of it rippled through European diplomatic circles not only for its audacity but also because the war-ravaged country appeared to be seriously considering how to reach a deal in the hope of a commitment from the United States to help defend against Russia’s aggression.

One senior Ukrainian official joked that the country’s leaders would consider nearly anything to maintain U.S. support, including, the official said, a massive shipment of Ukrainian eggs. The country has an egg surplus, and leaders there are aware of their skyrocketing cost in the United States.

But another senior Ukrainian adviser described being taken aback by the scale of what the Trump administration demanded. The person compared it to Europeans carving up African colonies in the 18th century, and said it could also lead to the right to develop Ukraine’s resources being signed away for decades with no guarantees that investors would actually develop them.

Ukraine is ready to provide egg security guarantees to the United States, – says President Zelenskyy. pic.twitter.com/lO2KEDTKGe

— Dimko Zhluktenko 🇺🇦⚔️ (@dim0kq) February 16, 2025