Letters | Ukraine mustn’t let foreign powers control its destiny

Readers discuss the Trump administration’s proposal on Ukraine, and Kyiv’s geopolitical significance

Reading Time:2 minutes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy gestures as he attends a press conference, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, on March 12. Photo: Reuters

Published: 2:30pm, 15 Mar 2025

Feel strongly about these letters, or any other aspects of the news? Share your views by emailing us your Letter to the Editor at letters@scmp.com or filling in this Google form. Submissions should not exceed 400 words, and must include your full name and address, plus a phone number for verification

The Trump administration’s proposal to exploit Ukraine’s vast natural resources under the guise of military aid is nothing short of an egregious act of economic colonialism. The plan – which initially demanded Ukraine give 50 per cent of the proceeds from its mineral, oil and gas resources to an investment fund which the US would own part of – shows the US government’s willingness to betray Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and, by extension, the Ukrainian people.

If Zelensky had signed such a deal he would not only be compromising Ukraine’s sovereignty but also betraying the very citizens he was elected to protect. American allies in Europe should be vigilant and critical of the US’ stance.

In the face of such humiliating terms, it may be more prudent for Ukraine to consider yielding a portion of its territory to Russia and to reconsider its pursuit of Nato membership. This compromise could pave the way for peace, allowing Ukraine to regain its dignity and autonomy, rather than being subjected to the exploitative demands of a so-called ally. The time has come for Ukraine to prioritise its own sovereignty over the hollow promises of foreign powers.

Stanley Ip, Sai Wan Ho

Ukraine is clearly a pawn on US’ chessboard

I am writing in response to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s statement, describing the Ukraine conflict as a “proxy war” between two nuclear states, the US and Russia. This is tantamount to declaring that Ukraine is just a pawn in the broader game of geopolitical chess.