Kyiv, April 7 – Ukraine is set to send a delegation to Washington this week to advance negotiations on a revised minerals deal proposed by the United States. The draft agreement, significantly broader than earlier versions, has raised concerns in Kyiv over its potential long-term impact on the country’s natural resource income.
Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced the move, stating, “We aim to align on project selection, legal frameworks, and long-term investment mechanisms.” The Ukrainian delegation will include representatives from the economy, foreign, justice, and finance ministries.
The U.S. administration, led by President Donald Trump, is seeking a substantial stake in Ukraine’s future mineral revenues as a way to recoup billions of dollars in aid provided for Ukraine’s defense against Russia. While Kyiv values its alliance with Washington, officials are wary of signing away future wealth. President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has firmly stated that Ukraine will not recognize past U.S. aid as loans to be repaid, nor will it agree to terms that could jeopardize its integration with the European Union.
The revised draft, presented in late March, has sparked debate. A summary of the proposal suggests the U.S. is demanding control over all of Ukraine’s natural resource income for years to come. Svyrydenko emphasized that the dialogue reflects the strategic interests of both nations and their commitment to a transparent partnership.
As negotiations unfold, Kyiv faces the challenge of balancing its need for U.S. support with safeguarding its economic sovereignty. The outcome of these talks could have far-reaching implications for Ukraine’s post-war recovery and its geopolitical alliances.
April 7, 2025 2:20 pm
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