Zelenskiy questions U.S. minerals deal terms
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy expressed reservations about a newly proposed U.S. minerals deal during a press conference in Kyiv. He described the latest draft as "entirely different" from previous frameworks and stated it would require thorough legal assessment before any decisions could be made.
Zelenskiy emphasized that Ukraine would not accept any agreement that could jeopardize the country's European Union integration process. He also firmly rejected the notion that previously approved U.S. military assistance should be reclassified as loans requiring repayment.
According to reports, the revised proposal contains controversial provisions that would direct all income from Ukraine's natural resources to a joint investment fund primarily controlled by U.S. appointees. This arrangement would continue until all American aid provided since 2022, plus interest, is fully repaid.
This represents a significant departure from earlier negotiations, when Zelenskiy had already rejected a previous draft agreement due to insufficient security guarantees and protections for Ukraine. The current proposal has triggered concerns within Ukraine regarding national sovereignty and economic independence.
Ukrainian officials, including Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, have stressed the importance of internal consensus before public discussions and emphasized that any agreement must align with Ukraine's national interests rather than lead to economic subordination.
On a separate note, Zelenskiy indicated Ukraine's willingness to engage in talks with any Russian representative except President Vladimir Putin, suggesting a potential opening for diplomatic engagement despite ongoing hostilities.
The minerals deal negotiations highlight the complex balance Ukraine faces between securing crucial international support and protecting its long-term sovereignty and economic interests, particularly as the country continues to defend itself while pursuing European integration.
