President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has stated that Ukraine will not accept any mineral rights agreement that jeopardizes its integration with the European Union. However, he refrained from immediate judgment on a proposed minerals deal from the United States, which reportedly demands control over Ukraine’s natural resource income until wartime aid is repaid with interest.
Speaking at a press conference, Zelenskiy emphasized that Kyiv’s legal experts must thoroughly analyze the proposal before issuing an official stance. Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko echoed this sentiment, stating that a consensus was required before public discussion. Senior presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak confirmed that negotiations are ongoing, with no finalized draft in place.
The latest U.S. proposal, according to sources familiar with the negotiations, includes a joint investment fund managed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. The fund, which would oversee Ukraine’s resource revenues, would be governed primarily by American-appointed board members and see profits converted into foreign currency and transferred abroad.
Zelenskiy acknowledged Washington’s shifting demands, maintaining that while he is open to cooperation, he will not sign a deal that would harm Ukraine’s economy. With negotiations still in progress, the government remains cautious about making any premature commitments.
