TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from Ukraine: CNN, politico.eu.
UK coverage: politico.eu.

The signing of a minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine has hit another delay. The deal, which includes assurances that Ukraine will not have to repay prior aid as debt and that the US will contribute to a reconstruction fund, was expected to be signed within 24 hours. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously refused to sign draft agreements proposed by the Trump administration, citing harsh terms that would burden future generations of Ukrainians. Discussions on the deal were derailed earlier this year by a heated meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy.

According to a source familiar with the matter, Ukraine is expecting to sign the natural resources deal on Wednesday. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that the country’s economy minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, was on her way to Washington to finalize the last details with American colleagues. The agreement is described as a strategic agreement on the establishment of an investment partnership fund, aimed at joint investments in the development and recovery of Ukraine.

The details of the agreement have not been made public, but it is expected to include equal contributions and management shares from both the US and Ukraine. The American side may also provide new military aid to Ukraine as a contribution to the fund. The deal is significant as Ukraine has deposits of 22 of the 50 materials classed as critical by the US Geological Survey, including rare earth minerals and other materials crucial for electronics, clean energy technologies, and weapon systems.

This deal has faced numerous obstacles in the past. Trump initially refused to provide security guarantees as part of the agreement, leading to tensions between the two leaders. Zelenskyy described the draft agreement as asking him to ‘sell’ his country. The agreement was left unsigned when Zelenskyy’s visit to Washington was cut short after a contentious Oval Office meeting. Trump later suspended US aid to Ukraine, which was eventually restored. The agreement is seen as a way for Ukraine to repay the aid it has received from the US since Russia’s invasion in 2022.

Despite the delays, both sides remain committed to finalizing the deal. The signing of the agreement would not only strengthen economic ties between the US and Ukraine but also provide an alternative source of critical minerals for Western countries, reducing their dependence on China. As negotiations continue, the world awaits the outcome of this significant minerals deal between the United States and Ukraine.