Ukraine deal looms as US seeks mineral rights boost
The USA is preparing for another agreement with Ukraine regarding access to mineral resources, reported the "Financial Times" on Friday. Previously, in February, the agreement could not be signed due to a disagreement between the two countries' presidents. The new version is expected to grant the USA greater rights compared to the initial draft.
- The USA is striving to sign a new agreement with Ukraine about access to mineral resources in that country, reports the "Financial Times".
- It is intended to provide them with greater rights than the first version.
- Previous discussions between the leaders of the USA and Ukraine ended in disagreement, and the agreement was not signed.
According to the "Financial Times," Washington wants the arrangements with Kyiv to encompass issues of ownership and control of a joint investment fund, as well as the assumption of US ownership in assets like Ukrainian nuclear power plants.
Ukraine is of particular interest
President Donald Trump, in his Thursday address at the White House, emphasised that the USA is keen on signing agreements concerning rare earth metals and minerals globally, but Ukraine is of particular interest.
"We’re doing very well with regard to Ukraine and Russia. And one of the things we are doing is signing a deal very shortly with respect to rare earths with Ukraine," declared Trump.
The issue of Ukraine's electricity supply and the future of Ukrainian nuclear power plants were reportedly discussed by Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky during a phone call they had on Wednesday. Washington stated that the USAcould be "very helpful in running the plants with its electricity and utility expertise." It was also emphasised that American ownership provides the "best protection" for Ukrainian energy infrastructure.
Zelensky stated that he only discussed one nuclear facility with Trump—the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant. Since March 2022, this largest facility of its kind in Europe has been under Russian control.
The subject of negotiations between Ukraine and the USA has caused concern among some Ukrainian circles, reports the "FT". Opposition lawmaker Inna Sovsun expressed her concerns on social media, writing: "Since when does surrendering a strategic sector to a foreign country equal security? Sounds more like a takeover than protection."
