Ukraine will send a delegation to Washington this week to push forward negotiations on a broader minerals deal offered by the United States, Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said on Monday.
“We aim to align on project selection, legal frameworks, and long-term investment mechanisms,” Svyrydenko posted on X. The talks come as Washington seeks a significant stake in Ukraine’s future mineral revenues, a move seen by President Donald Trump as a way to recover billions of dollars in aid provided for Ukraine’s defense against Russia.
Kyiv, keen to maintain U.S. support but wary of jeopardizing its future economic sovereignty, has been cautious in its response. Ukrainian officials have not publicly detailed the latest U.S. draft proposal, which reportedly demands a sweeping claim over Ukraine’s natural resource income.
The Ukrainian delegation will include representatives from the economy, foreign affairs, justice, and finance ministries. Discussions are expected to focus on structuring a transparent investment framework that aligns with Ukraine’s strategic priorities.
President Volodymyr Zelenskiy recently stated that Kyiv would not recognize previous U.S. military aid as loans to be repaid, nor would it accept agreements that could compromise Ukraine’s future integration into the European Union.
Svyrydenko emphasized that the dialogue with Washington reflects both nations’ long-term strategic interests and a shared commitment to a strong and transparent partnership.
