Ukraine intends to sign an agreement with the United States on the use of rare earth metals, but additional discussions must take place before the document is signed. This was announced by the Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration of Ukraine, Olga Stefanishyna, noting that Kyiv is closely monitoring developments on the part of the United States.
According to Stefanishyna, Ukraine does not reject the US proposal, but the document needs to be finalized, so it is currently at the discussion stage. The Deputy Prime Minister also noted that it is expected that the agreement will be signed after the necessary adjustments.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has previously spoken in favor of US investment, but stressed that Ukraine should not be perceived solely as a country that supplies raw materials. It is important for Ukraine to provide economic benefits and security guarantees, which should be fixed in the agreement.
Zelensky also added that Ukraine is not just a supplier of raw materials, and this fact should be clearly recorded in the signed agreement.
Earlier, the White House reacted sharply to Zelensky's refusal to sign an agreement on access to Ukrainian rare earth minerals, calling it a "short-sighted" decision. US National Security Council representative Brian Hughes noted that the rejection of the agreement means the rejection of the opportunity offered by the Donald Trump administration, and stressed that the United States is tired of constant financial assistance to Ukraine. He also noted that the agreement could contribute to the development of the Ukrainian economy and compensate for the costs of American taxpayers in supporting Kyiv.
Hughes emphasized that close economic ties with the United States are important for protecting Ukraine from future threats and are the best guarantee of a stable and secure future for the country.
