“Top-Secret Talks Nearing Completion for Mineral Deal”
(Reuters) – According to a high-ranking Ukrainian official, Ukraine and the United States are currently in the final stages of negotiations for a significant minerals deal that is being viewed as pivotal in bringing an end to Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Kyiv and Washington are both keen on the prospect of granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s underground resources, although President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has made it clear that any agreement must include concrete security assurances.
Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna revealed on Monday that the Ukrainian and U.S. negotiating teams are on the verge of wrapping up discussions related to the minerals pact. The talks have been described as highly productive, with almost all crucial details having been ironed out. Stefanishyna expressed hope that both American and Ukrainian leaders would formally sign and approve the agreement in Washington at the earliest opportunity, underscoring a shared commitment that is projected to endure for decades to come.
President Trump has put forward the notion that Ukraine should provide the U.S. with $500 billion worth of critical raw materials as a form of repayment for assistance previously extended during the administration of Joe Biden. Countering this claim, Zelenskiy stated this week that Washington has furnished his country with $67 billion in weaponry and $31.5 billion in direct financial assistance, emphasizing that he does not view the aid received during Biden’s tenure as a loan.
Zelenskiy’s refusal to sign an initial draft of the agreement earlier this month has reportedly led to frustration within the White House. Nonetheless, senior officials from the Trump administration have indicated that they anticipate the finalization of the deal in the coming week.
(Reporting by Yuliia Dysa; Editing by Bernadette Baum and Christina Fincher)
