USA's bid for control in Ukraine sparks sovereignty fears
According to a Bloomberg report, the USA aims to control major investments related to mineral extraction and infrastructure in Ukraine. Three high-ranking Ukrainian officials, in an interview with the Financial Times, described the latest draft sent to Kyiv as "unfair" and akin to "robbery. "
The United States advocates for a new, extensive agreement allowing control over key Ukrainian mineral and energy resources. In exchange, they have not offered Ukraine any security guarantees.
Bloomberg has reviewed the draft of the latest version of the US-Ukraine agreement. It reveals that the Trump administration is demanding the right of first refusal. If finalised in its current form, this agreement would signify an unprecedented economic expansion of the USA in the largest territorial country in Europe, at a time when Ukraine is seeking closer ties with the EU, the agency assesses.
The agreement would give the USA priority access to profits, which would be transferred to a special Reconstruction Fund controlled by Washington. Notably, the document states that the USA regards the "material and financial benefits" provided to Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion in February 2022 as its contribution to this fund.
This stipulation suggests that the White House would mandate Ukraine to repay all US military and economic support provided since the onset of the war before Kyiv could gain any revenue from the partnership fund - Bloomberg explains.
The draft agreement explicitly states that "the contribution of the United States after Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022" will be "recognised as a contribution to the partnership."
New minerals agreement: Ukrainians react
High-ranking Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns that this proposal could undermine their country's sovereignty, transfer profits abroad, and increase Ukraine's dependency on the USA.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated in an interview with Fox News on Wednesday that he believes the agreement could be finalised as early as next week. However, three high-ranking Ukrainian officials told the Financial Times this is unlikely. One remarked that the new US proposal is "unfair," while another likened it to "robbery."
Trump's pressure grows: Frustration in kyiv
The Ukrainians have voiced frustration over Donald Trump's increasing pressure on Ukraine to compromise, even though the Kremlin shows no sign of halting its invasion, reports the British newspaper.
In Paris on Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky noted that the USA frequently alters the terms of the agreement. However, he emphasised that he does not wish Americans to believe that Ukraine opposes the deal.
The USA delivered a revised document to Kyiv officials at the end of last week. Previously, the White House indicated that the agreement extends beyond the already negotiated terms, including the rare earth metals in Ukraine.
Discussions between both sides are ongoing, and the final draft may incorporate changes to the terms. A source familiar with the situation told Bloomberg News that Ukraine is likely to respond to the US document with its own amendments this week.
