WP: Russia is concerned about the rapprochement between the USA and Ukraine after the mineral agreement.

In Moscow, outrage is brewing over the signing of an economic agreement between Ukraine and the United States, which may deprive Russia of its advantages in negotiations with the USA regarding the conflict in Ukraine. Russian officials have openly criticized the agreement, calling it a 'step towards the colonization' of Ukraine and a 'mineral colony' of the USA. However, in the background, waves of nervousness and concern have begun to spread among the Russian elite about possible new changes in relations between the USA and Ukraine.

With the arrival of the Trump administration, the USA's approaches to the conflict in Ukraine have changed dramatically, including phone calls between Presidents Trump and Putin, as well as statements expressing a greater understanding of the Russian perspective on the conflict. Trump has also expressed criticism regarding the USA's military support for Ukraine. Any change in American-Russian relations could affect Putin's celebrations of the 80th anniversary of victory over Nazi Germany and increase pressure on Russia to achieve a significant ceasefire.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent describes the agreement as a signal to the Russian government that there are no discrepancies between Ukrainians and Americans. This allows Trump to negotiate with Russia on firmer grounds. Russian analysts have expressed concern that the agreement could put pressure on Ukraine to achieve a peace deal on terms favorable to Russia.

The agreement envisions the establishment of a US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, which will become the depository of future revenues from the mineral agreement. Russia had tried to ensure that the supply of American weapons to Ukraine would be a condition for a long-term ceasefire; now its ability to achieve this has significantly diminished.

Economic problems are becoming more pronounced in the split within the Russian elite regarding negotiation tactics. Banking issues and inflation are leading to a decline in living standards in Russia. Even those who were previously opposed to the agreement are now convinced that it could facilitate peace negotiations.

US Vice President J. D. Vance reminded of the possibility of continued military actions and complications in peace negotiations when he indicated that there is a significant difference in views between Russians and Ukrainians. However, other members of the Trump administration remain committed to firmness in their demands for a breakthrough in negotiations.

Russian analysts believe that the mineral agreement could complicate the USA's exit from peace negotiations and force Putin to present his proposals for future mineral agreements. They believe that a long-term ceasefire could be achieved if the USA agrees to limit certain types of weapons for Ukraine.

Despite the discrepancies and firmness in demands, economic problems are becoming increasingly important in the discussion. There are indications that the agreement could facilitate peace negotiations and help reduce inflation and the payment crisis in Russia. The American agreement could also contribute to the economic development of Ukraine, which is crucial for its stability and peaceful resolution of the conflict.