Ukraine has entered into a pre-agreement on revenue-sharing for its huge mineral wealth with the United States, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday. Zelenskyy, who has been discussing the deal with Washington for weeks, described the agreement as a critical component to gain continued US support for Ukraine. He explained that the accord provides a premise but that a successful outcome lies in subsequent discussions, especially with ex-US President Donald Trump.
This deal is part of larger negotiations with the United States. It may be tied to future security guarantees,” Zelenskyy told a news conference. He explained that according to the proposed deal, Ukraine’s mineral resource revenues would be put into a joint fund operated by both nations, so Kyiv would not be saddled with debt for assistance received during the Biden administration.
And then, Russian President Vladimir Putin himself also indicated he would be keen on mineral business with Washington. The Kremlin made clear that it was willing to supply Washington with rare earth minerals, eyeing opportunities in a bilateral deal for tapping Russia’s huge reserves.
Zelenskyy declared intentions of traveling to Washington on Friday with a goal to seal the deal on minerals as well as upcoming assistance with Trump. He indicated that the trip was promising, saying that the format is set but its success would be based on face-to-face negotiations. He later confirmed that Zelenskyy would come to sign a “very big deal.” Zelenskyy further announced that a broader economic framework agreement between Ukraine and the US is prepared. The accord, to be ratified by the parliament of Ukraine, will help delineate future military and economic relations between the two countries.
