Ukraine has not yet accepted the terms of the American proposal for an economic partnership, which envisages Kiev providing the US with all revenues from its natural resources until it repays the military aid received since 2022, including accrued interest. This was announced by Ukrainian officials on Friday, after a summary of the latest draft was reviewed by the "Reuters" agency.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko told deputies that Ukraine's position on the project would be expressed only after reaching an internal consensus. According to her, public debates at this stage would be harmful. President Zelensky's advisor, Mykhailo Podoliak, confirmed that there is no finalized text and specified that consultations are continuing between various ministries.
According to the summary, the latest version of the American proposal envisages the creation of a joint investment fund, into which Ukraine would transfer all revenues from the use of natural resources by state and private companies until it fully repays the US aid with 4% annual interest. The US would have the right of first buyer for the extracted resources. The management of the fund would be entrusted to the US Finance Corporation for International Development (DFC), with three out of five board members appointed by Washington.
The proposal does not include security guarantees for Ukraine and represents a serious negative evolution compared to a more favorable previous version agreed in early February. Under it, Kiev was to provide 50% of future revenues, not all. President Zelensky's last visit to the White House ended in scandal and a temporary suspension of US military and intelligence aid.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant, who is leading the negotiations, said Washington hopes to sign the agreement as early as next week. President Trump sees the minerals deal as a way for the US to recoup some of the billions invested in Ukraine.