According to the Financial Times, the United States and Ukraine were scheduled to sign a framework agreement on mineral resources on April 30, but encountered obstacles at the last moment.
△Svyrydenko (File Photo)The Financial Times, citing three Ukrainian officials, reported that Ukraine's First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Svyrydenko, had flown to Washington to sign the mineral agreement with U.S. Treasury Secretary Basent. However, issues arose at the last moment. Three insiders revealed that the U.S. side informed Svyrydenko, 'Either be ready to sign all agreements or go back home.'
Two Ukrainian officials stated that the U.S. side hopes Ukraine will not only sign the framework agreement but also a detailed fund agreement to finalize the entire mineral agreement.
A Ukrainian official involved in the negotiations expressed dissatisfaction with the U.S. side, saying there is concern that 'no matter what we do, the U.S. will not be satisfied.' This official indicated, 'We are ready to sign the framework agreement today,' but admitted that the likelihood of reaching an agreement is 'only fifty-fifty.'