US‑Ukraine partnership talks falter over last-minute proposals

• The U.S. and Ukraine were scheduled to sign an agreement on rare earth minerals on Wednesday.
• However, complications have arisen. The "Financial Times" reported that the U.S. submitted last-minute adjustments to the agreement.
• Now the Treasury Secretary denies this and places the blame on 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 would reconsider their proposals, and the American side is prepared to sign the deal the same day.

Bessent stated that the Ukrainians made some last-minute adjustments the previous evening, but expressed optimism that they would revisit their decision, adding that they remain prepared to proceed with the signing later today, based on GMT.

According to the "Financial Times," it was Washington that set additional conditions that could impact the finalisation of the agreement. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, en route to Washington, was supposed to sign not only an initial deal on raw materials but also a detailed agreement on the Investment and Reconstruction Fund. However, the Ukrainian side argues that the natural resources agreement must be ratified by Parliament first.

The new agreement, according to The Washington Post, does not include specific security guarantees for Ukraine but outlines a long-term strategic alliance and U.S. support for Ukraine's security and reconstruction. President Trump emphasised that the agreement compensates for the assistance provided to Ukraine, and the American presence is intended to deter potential "bad actors." - Well, we want something for our efforts beyond what you would think to be acceptable - Trump said.