Ukrainian leader’s visit to US may mark key agreement

Ukraine and the US are reportedly on the verge of finalising a minerals deal, with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy preparing to visit Washington, D.C., as early as February 28 to meet with US President Donald Trump and sign the agreement.

Sources indicate that while the deal is a significant step forward, it will not include the security guarantees Ukraine had initially sought, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

Additionally, the proposal put forth by the Trump administration to allocate $500 billion in profits from Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as compensation for US military assistance will not be part of the agreement. 

Instead, the deal will create a joint fund between the US and Ukraine, with Ukraine agreeing to contribute 50 per cent of the future profits from its state-owned resources, including minerals, oil, and gas. This partnership aims to solidify the economic ties between the two nations, focusing on Ukraine's valuable natural resources as a key area for cooperation. 

The agreement marks an important development in the ongoing relationship between Ukraine and the US, signaling potential economic growth for Ukraine while strengthening diplomatic ties with the US.

On February 26, the Ukrainian government is set to review a pivotal agreement with the US concerning natural resources. Following the review, the government will authorize the appropriate ministers to proceed with signing the agreement.

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed the plans. During an appearance on the "Rada" TV channel, Shmyhal said, “The agreement has been prepared, and today the government will review the text and grant the ministers the authority to proceed with the signing.”

By Naila Huseynova