Ukraine pushes for EU role in US deal on natural resources

Ukraine is aiming to involve the European Union in negotiations over a deal with the United States concerning the country's natural resources, due to the substantial financial support provided by the EU to Ukraine's state budget.

A statement by Ukraine's Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna, said that the agreement, which covers Ukraine's natural resources, including rare earth metals, contains provisions for joint ownership and decision-making regarding the use of the Recovery Fund, Caliber.Az reports per foreign media.

"We cannot plan future negotiations without the involvement of the European Union and other partners who contribute significant funds to our state budget and with whom Ukraine has legal obligations in the context of EU membership talks. Therefore, the group of negotiators on the resources issue will be broader, and this is a key task for the Ukrainian negotiation delegation," Stefanishyna explained.

The minister further clarified that the "resource agreement" with the United States is not an international treaty, in contrast to the agreement on the establishment of the fund. She emphasized that signing this deal does not entail immediate legal consequences or financial obligations for Ukraine.

Moreover, the US government retains the right to ensure the protection of assets that generate revenue for the fund.

"Looking at the broader geopolitical situation, we can understand what this means," she added, hinting at the strategic implications of the deal.

The deal, which involves access to valuable Ukrainian natural resources, including rare earth elements crucial for technological advancements, is seen as an essential element in the ongoing cooperation between Ukraine and the United States.

In February 2025, the Trump administration proposed an agreement granting the U.S. significant access to Ukraine's natural resources, including rare earth elements, oil, and gas, in exchange for continued support against Russian aggression. The proposed terms included the U.S. receiving 50% of Ukraine's revenues from these resources, with contributions directed to a U.S.-controlled fund until it accumulated $500 billion. Notably, the agreement did not offer Ukraine security guarantees or military support.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy rejected the proposal, questioning the accuracy of the debt figures and highlighting the absence of security assurances. He emphasized that grants should not be considered debts and expressed reluctance to "sell Ukraine away."

The disagreement culminated in a heated exchange during a meeting at the White House on February 28, 2025, leading to the cancellation of the agreement.

By Khagan Isayev