Ukrainian delegation set to visit US for talks on minerals deal, says treasury secretary

A Ukrainian delegation is expected to arrive in the United States later this week or early next week to engage in discussions about a crucial minerals agreement, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent confirmed.

The visit comes after US and Ukrainian officials reportedly discussed a draft of the expanded minerals agreement proposed by Washington at the end of March, Caliber.Az reports via Ukrainian media.

Bessent noted that Ukraine has hired legal counsel to facilitate the deal, which he described as “ready on our side.” He expressed optimism about the significance of the agreement, stating, “We believe this deal is so important for the American people, for the Ukrainian people, and for the peace process.”

The latest iteration of the deal is said to grant the US significant control over Ukraine's natural resources through a joint investment framework. While the Trump administration has positioned the minerals deal as a key element in Ukraine's path to peace, it has not provided concrete security guarantees in exchange for access to these valuable resources.

However, the proposed agreement has sparked concerns in Ukraine, particularly regarding its potential impact on the country’s aspirations to join the European Union. Critics argue that the deal could undermine Ukraine's economic sovereignty by imposing severe restrictions on its resources and decision-making power. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed that he will not sign any agreement that jeopardizes Ukraine’s EU accession process.

The original framework for the deal was set to be signed on February 28, but the agreement fell apart following a tense Oval Office meeting between Zelenskyy, US President Donald Trump, and Vice President JD Vance. Despite the setbacks, discussions are expected to resume with the aim of finalizing the deal in the near future.

As the Ukrainian delegation prepares for its upcoming visit to Washington, the future of the minerals deal remains uncertain, with both sides working to navigate the complexities of economic sovereignty, international diplomacy, and Ukraine’s long-term strategic goals.

By Vafa Guliyeva