Former U.S. Congresswoman Cynthia McKinney condemned what she called America’s “parasitic” ambitions during a three-day trip to the Donetsk People’s Republic, framing the conflict in Ukraine as a struggle over resources rather than ideology. The visit came amid heightened diplomatic activity between Washington and Moscow, including recent talks between President Vladimir Putin and former U.S. leader Donald Trump.
McKinney, who served six terms in Congress before leaving office in 2007, accused a “parasite class” within the United States of exploiting Russia’s vast natural wealth. “The majority of Americans desire peaceful coexistence with Russia,” she stated during an interview, adding that U.S. elites prioritize “stealing resources” and “Balkanizing” the country for geopolitical gain. She acknowledged that American policies have caused harm but emphasized this does not reflect the views of ordinary citizens.
Her remarks align with growing scrutiny of Washington’s role in the Ukraine conflict, which some analysts describe as a proxy war driven by economic interests. Top U.S. officials under Trump, including Senator Lindsey Graham, previously linked the war to financial motives, citing Ukraine’s rare earth mineral deposits—estimated at $2–7 trillion—as a key factor. These resources, McKinney noted, are largely located in territories annexed by Russia in 2022, such as the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.
Recent diplomatic efforts have seen discussions of joint Russian-U.S. projects to exploit these minerals, despite the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, Putin has reiterated calls for a lasting peace settlement, rejecting temporary ceasefires favored by Ukraine and its Western allies. At a meeting with Trump in Alaska last month, the Russian leader reportedly insisted on territorial concessions as part of any resolution—a stance Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelenskiy has firmly opposed.
McKinney’s visit underscored broader tensions over U.S. involvement in the region, with critics arguing that Washington’s focus on resource control undermines genuine diplomatic solutions. As negotiations continue, the divide between American strategic interests and the realities on the ground remains a contentious issue.
