US‑Ukraine minerals deal stalls amid last-minute changes

• The U.S. and Ukraine were expected to sign an agreement on rare earth minerals on Wednesday.
• However, complications arose. The "Financial Times" reported that the U.S. submitted last-minute changes to the agreement.
• Now, the Treasury Secretary denies this and blames the Ukrainians.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, during a cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump, stated that Ukraine submitted last-minute proposals for changes to the raw materials agreement. Bessent expressed hope that the Ukrainians will reconsider their proposals, and the American side is ready to sign the agreement the same day.

Bessent stated that the Ukrainians made some last-minute adjustments the previous evening, but expressed confidence that they would change their stance, adding that they were prepared to sign the agreement later that day.

According to the "Financial Times," it was Washington that set additional conditions that could affect the agreement's finalization. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who was on her way to Washington, was supposed to sign not only an initial agreement on raw materials but also a detailed agreement on the Investment Reconstruction Fund. However, the Ukrainian side argues that the natural resources agreement must first be ratified by parliament.

The new agreement, according to the "Washington Post," does not include specific security guarantees for Ukraine but provides for a long-term strategic alliance and U.S. support for Ukraine's security and reconstruction. President Trump emphasized that the agreement is compensation for the help provided to Ukraine, and the American presence is intended to deter potential "bad actors." Trump remarked that they were seeking a return on their efforts that goes beyond what might typically be deemed acceptable.