Ukraine sees a threat in new US mineral agreement

According to the Financial Times, the US is pushing for a new general agreement concerning the control of Ukraine's essential minerals and energy assets, without offering Kiev security guarantees in exchange.

The Financial Times has examined a new draft agreement sent to Kiev and this document goes beyond the initial joint economic agreement signed last month as part of US President Donald Trump's efforts to end the Russian invasion and compensate for military aid to Ukraine.

Senior Ukrainian officials have expressed concerns that the new proposal could infringe on the country's sovereignty, redirect profits abroad, and increase its reliance on Washington.

The new draft agreement appears to be a step towards strengthening the Trump administration's control over Ukraine's lucrative natural resources.

The document covers all mineral resources, including oil, gas and key energy assets on Ukrainian territory. The US also demands the creation of a joint investment fund, the proceeds of which would be shared between the two countries.

(MH with AmBar - Source: Financial Times - Photo: © Unsplash)