Ukraine finalizes agreement with US on mineral resources, ready to sign

Olha Stefanishyna, Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration, announced that the framework agreement between Ukraine and the United States on mineral resources has been finalized.

Ukraine is now fully prepared to sign the agreement at any time, Caliber.Az reports per Ukrainian media.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Forbes Exporters Summit in Kyiv, Stefanishyna confirmed that negotiations on the text of the agreement have been completed, with no further changes anticipated. "The agreement is ready; there are no changes to the text. The negotiations are closed," she stated.

However, Stefanishyna pointed out that the United States has yet to determine when or under what conditions they wish to proceed with the signing. "Ukraine is ready to sign it at any time," she assured.

Following talks in the Saudi city of Jeddah on March 11, the presidents of the United States and Ukraine agreed on developing Ukraine's critical mineral resources. This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral ties and fostering economic cooperation between the two countries.

The delay in finalizing the deal had previously been a source of tension in Ukraine's relations with the US, with President Zelenskyy expressing frustration over the lack of progress. On March 12, he reiterated Ukraine's readiness to sign a framework agreement with the US on the development of rare earth metals, a vital sector for the country’s economic and energy independence.

With the agreement now complete and ready for signing, all eyes are on the US to determine the timing and conditions under which the deal will be finalized.

By Vafa Guliyeva