Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is ready to sign a groundbreaking minerals deal with the United States, aiming to boost Ukraine's post-conflict recovery. 🌍✨ But the path to the agreement isn't smooth, with several obstacles still in the way.
After a landmark summit in London, Zelenskyy expressed his willingness to finalize the deal if both parties are prepared. \"The agreement that's on the table will be signed if the parties are ready,\" he stated during a late-night interview with UK media.
The deal, which focuses on the joint exploitation of Ukraine's vast mineral resources, was meant to be a significant step towards ending the ongoing conflict. However, the agreement hit a snag when a heated exchange occurred during a meeting in the Oval Office.
During his visit to the White House, Zelenskyy faced criticism from President Donald Trump, who emphasized the importance of U.S. support in Ukraine's fight against Russia. The confrontation left the minerals deal unsigned, postponing the much-anticipated agreement.
Experts like Zhao Huirong from the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences highlight multiple challenges in finalizing the deal. \"Besides differences over security guarantees, Europe has also expressed interest in mineral cooperation with Ukraine, creating a competitive dynamic between Europe and the U.S.,\" Zhao explained. 🧐💼
Moreover, uncertainties about Ukraine's mineral reserves and the complexities of extraction add to the hurdles. Ukraine's allies continue to support Zelenskyy, with leaders like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging for increased security spending and coalition efforts to defend a potential truce.
As the situation evolves, Ukraine is likely to strengthen its ties with European nations while still seeking essential U.S. support to navigate the challenges ahead. The possibility of a ceasefire within the next year remains, though the path to lasting peace continues to face significant territorial disputes. 🕊️✌️
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Zelenskyy ready to sign minerals deal with U.S., but challenges remain
cgtn.com
