The United States is pressuring Ukraine to sign an agreement that could leave Washington with a significant share of the mineral wealth of the European country. According to sources close to the discussions, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is reluctant to approve the draft proposed by the Trump administration, claiming that it contains questionable elements and may resemble past colonialism.
In his statements to the nation, Zelensky mentioned that teams from Ukraine and the United States are negotiating a government agreement. For his part, Donald Trump has blamed Ukraine for the start of the Russian invasion three years ago and has dismissed Zelensky's importance by labeling him a 'dictator' with a low approval rating.
The agreement proposed by the United States suggests that the U.S. government would receive 50% of the sales from licenses and other revenues derived from Ukraine's minerals, violating local laws. Despite the challenges, both parties are expected to reach an agreement that strengthens relations and contributes to Ukraine's long-term development.
Ukrainian officials have held talks with U.S. special envoy Keith Kellogg to discuss the details of the potential agreement, which would also cover revenues from oil, gas, and ports. Kyiv has proposed adjustments to the proposal aimed at benefiting both parties, respecting sovereignty, and ensuring transparency and good governance in the process.
Despite tensions and differences in negotiations, both sides seek to find common ground to move forward with an agreement that is mutually beneficial. Zelensky has expressed his interest in meeting with Donald Trump before a possible encounter between the U.S. president and Russian leader Vladimir Putin.
