Zelenskyy Calls US-Ukraine Minerals Deal a | Commodities

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described a proposed natural assets settlement with the US as a “framework,” emphasizing that it doesn’t but embrace concrete security ensures for Kyiv.

His remarks got here as a draft of the settlement, obtained by CNN, revealed that whereas the US acknowledges Ukraine’s security issues, it doesn’t make specific commitments in that regard.

With US President Donald Trump searching for to finish Russia’s struggle in Ukraine shortly whereas recovering US financial assist, Zelenskyy is positioning Ukraine’s natural assets as a technique to keep American help.

The deal, nevertheless, solely states that the US “supports Ukraine’s efforts to obtain security guarantees needed to establish lasting peace,” leaving open questions on Washington’s function in Ukraine’s future protection strategy.

At a press convention in Kyiv, Zelenskyy acknowledged the deal lacks particular measures on security, stating that these need to be decided by means of joint discussions with the US and European companions.

He described the settlement as a potential “big success,” however burdened that it’s a start line for additional negotiations.

The draft settlement outlines the institution of a “Reconstruction Investment Fund,” a joint initiative geared toward attracting investment in Ukraine’s important industries, together with hydrocarbons, oil, natural fuel and uncommon earths.

Underneath the phrases, Ukraine will contribute 50 % of revenues generated from the monetization of state-owned natural assets to the fund, with more detailed governance guidelines to be decided in a future settlement.

The deal has sparked debate within Ukraine, with some residents expressing concern over the potential long-term implications of granting Washington financial entry to Ukraine’s natural assets.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal sought to reassure the public, stating that Zelenskyy “will not sign or even consider any enslaving or colonial treaties that do not take Ukraine’s interests into account.”

He framed the settlement as laying the muse for Ukraine’s “future recovery.”

One other level of competition is whether or not Ukraine might be required to repay US financial help. Zelenskyy has firmly rejected the notion of debt compensation below this deal, warning that setting such a precedent can be unacceptable.

Trump, who has expressed skepticism over US assist to Ukraine, lately claimed he’s “trying to get the money back” that was offered below former President Joe Biden’s administration. Trump falsely mentioned the US has given Ukraine US$350 billion since 2022; the precise quantity is nearer to US$120 billion, based on the Kiel Institute for the World Economic system.

He additionally incorrectly claimed that European assist to Ukraine has been structured as loans, prompting a direct correction from French President Emmanuel Macron during a current assembly.

Zelenskyy acknowledged the shifting political panorama in Washington, saying he plans to ask Trump instantly whether or not the US will proceed supporting Ukraine. If not, he recommended Ukraine might buy American weapons instantly, doubtlessly utilizing frozen Russian belongings — estimated at US$300 billion — as a funding source.

The Reconstruction Funding Fund settlement is predicted to be signed by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukraine’s International Minister Andrii Sybiha. Nevertheless, key particulars concerning governance, investment oversight and particular project allocations stay to be finalized in a subsequent settlement.

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Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, maintain no direct investment curiosity in any company talked about on this article.

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