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The Biden administration has faced internal disagreements regarding its Ukraine strategy. Figures like Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy for Russia and Ukraine Keith Kellogg have advocated for a more aggressive stance against Russia. In contrast, Special Envoy Steve Wickoff has drawn criticism for possibly perpetuating Russian narratives, suggesting concessions such as giving up Ukrainian territories based on their Russian-speaking demographics.
Tensions escalated when Trump pressured Zelensky to consider a deal that would funnel revenue from Ukraine's natural resources back to U.S. investment funds. Although an initial agreement was reached concerning a mineral resources framework, crucial security guarantees for Ukraine were notably absent.