The Ukrainian parliament voted to ratify the strategic economic agreement with the United States, which provides for American access to Ukrainian mineral resources and the creation of an investment fund for the country's reconstruction. The agreement, signed last month in Washington, was approved by 338 votes in favor and none against, despite concerns from some lawmakers about the lack of transparency in some key provisions, reports "Reuters".
"This is not just a legal document - it is the basis for a new model of interaction with a key strategic partner," Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko said after the vote.
The agreement gives the United States preferential access to new mineral extraction contracts in Ukraine and creates an investment fund that will finance reconstruction projects over the next 10 years. Details of the fund's management will be specified in two additional agreements that are yet to be published.
The ratification comes at a critical moment - just a day before Russia is to demonstrate military power at a parade marking the 80th anniversary of the victory over Nazism, amid increased Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian territory. Kiev hopes the signed agreement will strengthen its position in the ceasefire talks, where the gap between Ukrainian and Russian demands remains deep.
Ukraine has expressed readiness to accept a temporary 30-day ceasefire proposed by the United States, which could be extended, while Russia insists on only a three-day pause - from May 8 to 10.
The agreement also gives Kiev certain diplomatic victories, including the rejection of American demands for the return of previous military aid and official recognition by Washington of Ukraine's aspiration to join the EU.
According to a survey by the Kiev International Institute of Sociology, 47% of Ukrainians support the deal, 22% assess it negatively, and 19% do not expect any effect.
"Trump's initial position changes by millimeters, but still in the right direction," commented MP Inna Sovsun from the opposition party "Golos", adding that although she finds the deal "mercantile", it is an important signal that Ukraine is a constructive party in the dialogue with the United States.