In a significant move, Ukraine and the United States have reached a framework agreement to jointly develop Ukraine's rich natural resources, including rare earths, critical minerals, oil, and gas. 🇺🇸🇺🇦
During a cabinet meeting, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to travel to Washington on Friday to sign the mineral agreement. Zelenskyy emphasized in his nightly video address the importance of securing continued U.S. aid and obtaining security guarantees. \"For me and for all of us in the world, it is important that American aid is not halted. Strength is needed on the path to peace,\" he stated.
Despite the optimism, the Ukrainian side has yet to receive formal U.S. security guarantees. Trump commented, \"I'm not going to make security guarantees beyond very much. We're going to have Europe do that.\"
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal described the agreement as \"preliminary,\" highlighting key points such as the establishment of a reconstruction investment fund jointly managed by both governments. Crucially, Ukraine's underground minerals and natural resources will remain under Ukrainian control and won't be transferred to the U.S. or any other country.
Ukraine will allocate 50% of future income from its natural resource assets to the fund, while the U.S. will provide financial resources and instruments critical to Ukraine's reconstruction efforts. The funds will be exclusively dedicated to Ukraine's reconstruction projects, aligning with Ukraine's European integration commitments.
However, not everyone is optimistic. Experts like Chen Yu from the China Institute of Contemporary International Relations have raised concerns, warning that the agreement may allow the U.S. to economically control Ukraine and seize its mineral resources. \"Ukraine's goal is to use this agreement to repair its relationship with the U.S., hoping to secure a position in future Russia-Ukraine peace negotiations,\" Chen added.
The Washington Post echoed these concerns, suggesting that the new U.S. administration is shifting back to a foreign policy approach where powerful nations extract resources from smaller ones.
Reference(s):
U.S., Ukraine reach minerals deal; experts warn of exploitative nature
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