Ukraine Minerals Deal Faces Fresh Setback Amid Last-Minute Dispute
A long-anticipated minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States, previously described by U.S. President Donald Trump as “reimbursement” for military aid, has hit another late-stage hurdle just hours before the planned signing, The Gaze reports, citing Politico.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko had traveled to Washington on Wednesday to finalize the deal, which would grant the U.S. access to Ukraine’s critical minerals and resources in exchange for contributing to a reconstruction fund. But a senior official familiar with the situation said that the American side insisted Ukraine sign two additional technical side-deals, prompting Kyiv to hesitate.
“President Trump has said that the time to get this done is now, and we are moving with all deliberate speed toward this end. The United States is committed to the quick conclusion of this vital agreement, and to securing a lasting peace in Ukraine,” a Treasury spokesperson said.
One person involved in the talks said Ukraine tried to reopen parts of the agreement at the last moment, despite both countries having finalized technical documents over the weekend.
“All three documents need to be signed today, but the Ukrainians are trying to reopen terms which have already been agreed upon as part of the package — this will be up to the Ukrainians, as the U.S. is ready to sign,” the source added.
The U.S. reportedly warned Svyrydenko not to travel unless Kyiv was fully ready to commit. Key issues still under debate include governance of the reconstruction fund, financial transparency, and traceability mechanisms.
Despite the tensions, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said that the final details of the draft subsoil agreement with the US are being agreed upon and may be signed during the next 24 hours, as The Gaze reported.
Final ratification of the agreement will require approval by Ukraine’s parliament and potential legislative changes.
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