The truth about the US suspending the signing of a mineral agreement with Ukraine

(Dan Tri) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has revealed the current status of the draft mineral agreement between Ukraine and the US after news that the two sides had postponed signing.

US President Donald Trump and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky (Photo: Getty).

In a meeting with reporters on March 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said that a framework agreement on mineral resources between Ukraine and the US has been prepared, the next step is to build a detailed document with specific figures, which will then be submitted to the Ukrainian parliament for approval.

"The plan has not changed and the sequence of actions remains the same," Mr. Zelensky explained.

Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Atlantic Integration, Olha Stefanishyna, also said that the text of the agreement on mineral resources had been agreed with the US side and had not changed since previous negotiations.

Forbes magazine quoted Ms. Olha Stefanishyna as saying that the next step is to prepare an agreement on the Investment Fund, which outlines specific commitments and economic parameters.

After disagreements, on February 26, the US and Ukraine unexpectedly announced reaching a new framework agreement related to mineral cooperation.

Under the agreement, the U.S. and Ukrainian governments will establish and jointly manage a Reconstruction Investment Fund with the goal of achieving lasting peace in Ukraine.

The Fund will collect and reinvest the revenues contributed to the Fund after deducting the expenses incurred. The Fund will have income from the future valuation of all natural resource assets owned by the Government of Ukraine, either directly or indirectly.

Ukraine will contribute to the fund 50% of the total revenue from the future valuation of all natural resource assets owned directly or indirectly by the government.

These resources include mineral deposits, hydrocarbons, oil, natural gas and other extractable materials, as well as related infrastructure such as ports. The revenue does not include existing revenue sources that are already part of Ukraine’s budget. Contributions to the Fund will be reinvested at least annually in Ukraine to promote Ukraine’s security, safety and prosperity.

The agreement states that the United States will maintain a long-term financial commitment to the development of a stable and economically prosperous Ukraine. Subsequent contributions may include funds, financial instruments, and other tangible and intangible assets critical to Ukraine’s reconstruction.

The two sides were expected to sign the agreement at talks in Saudi Arabia on March 11. However, Ukrainian media reported on March 13 that the US side decided to postpone the signing to allow them to amend the current draft.

Following the talks, a joint statement said the US and Ukraine "agreed to conclude as soon as possible a comprehensive agreement to develop Ukraine's significant mineral resources".

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/the-gioi/thuc-hu-my-tam-dung-ky-thoa-thuan-khoang-san-voi-ukraine-20250315152458583.htm