All news

Ukraine determined to sign minerals deal with US, but wants more work on it — minister

Vladimir Zelensky earlier said the US had given Ukraine a new proposal for the minerals deal

MOSCOW, April 1. /TASS/. Ukraine is determined to sign a minerals deal with the US, but wants more work done on the pact to make it meet the interests of both sides, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrey Sibiga said.

"I confirm that we have started consultations with the American side on the text of the agreement. One round of consultations has already taken place. The Ukrainian side is determined to adopt a document that would meet the national interests of both the US and Ukraine. We believe that the text of the agreement, which provides for the continued presence of major American businesses, is also a contribution to Ukraine's security structure. The process is ongoing. We will work with our American counterparts to achieve a mutually acceptable text for signing," he said at a news conference, according to the news outlet "Obshchestvennoye. Novosti".

Vladimir Zelensky earlier said the US had given Ukraine a new proposal for the minerals deal. It would oblige Kiev to repay more than $120 billion in aid. The US would gain control over an investment fund that would be set up for the reconstruction of Ukraine. The fund would hold payments charged by Ukraine for issuing mineral extraction licenses, along with royalties for the extraction of resources. Obshchestvennoye. Novosti reported previously, citing a source in Zelensky's office, that Kiev and Washington engaged in a long conversation on the draft agreement on March 28.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the US and Ukraine could sign an economic cooperation agreement, including the minerals deal, as soon as this week. However, Kiev said it was still determining its position on the agreement. Afterward, US President Donald Trump warned that if Zelensky tried to back out from the deal, he would face "big problems."