Trump dealt Zelenskyy a 'royal flush' with the minerals deal – Bessent
Photo: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump, by signing the subsoil agreement, dealt Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy a "royal flush" in peace negotiations with Russia, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned this during a Fox Business broadcast.
"President Trump said in the Oval Office to Zelenskyy, 'You have no cards.' Well, you know what? President Trump just dealt him a royal flush," said Bessent.
According to him, from now on, these "cards" can be taken and shown to the Russian leadership, emphasizing that there are "no differences" between the goals of the American and Ukrainian peoples.
As is known, a royal flush is the best hand in poker, consisting of five high cards of the same suit — from 10 to ace.
During the dispute between Trump and Zelenskyy in the Oval Office in February this year, the American president stated that Ukraine had no trump cards in its war with Russia.
In turn, the President of Ukraine responded that he didn't play cards, to which Trump replied, "You are playing with the lives of millions of people."
Ukraine and the US sign subsoil agreement
On May 1, Ukraine and the United States signed a minerals deal that had been under discussion for several months. The document was signed by Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yuliia Svyrydenko, and by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on the American side.
The agreement provides for the creation of an investment fund to be financed through the sale of Ukrainian mineral resources.
The document includes key provisions important for Ukraine while remaining beneficial to both countries. In particular, subsoil resources will remain under Ukrainian ownership.
At the same time, the agreement does not mention any Ukrainian debt to the US for previously provided aid.
According to the White House, the US wants to move quickly to implement the minerals deal with Ukraine. Washington’s goal is to “return money to American taxpayers.”
Bessent also stated that the minerals deal between Ukraine and the US is a "strong signal" to the Kremlin. He noted that it will also strengthen Ukraine’s position in peace talks with Russia.
More details about the agreement can be found in the full report by RBC-Ukraine.
