Ukraine says new draft mineral deal 'completely different' from original, does not recognise military aid as loans that need to be repaid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on March 28 that the new draft mineral agreement proposed by the US was “completely different” from the original framework and would require further review by lawyers.

Earlier, President Zelensky also accused the US of changing the terms of the Ukrainian mineral deal. Instead of a framework agreement, Washington is proposing a full agreement.

At a press conference in Kiev, President Zelensky added that Ukraine would not accept an agreement that threatens the country's integration with the European Union.

This drone image shows the Zavallievsky Graphite open-pit mine, amid Russia's offensive against Ukraine, in Zavallia, Ukraine, February 10. (Source: Reuters)

The Ukrainian leader also announced that Kiev will not recognize previously approved US military aid as loans that need to be repaid.

On the same day, March 28, Ukrainian Presidential Advisor Mykhailo Podolyak informed the press that consultations with the US on the mineral agreement were still ongoing and the two sides had not agreed on the final draft, but refused to provide details.

Meanwhile, a deputy of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Yaroslav Zheleznyak, said that the new draft agreement on Ukraine's resources proposed by the US is not beneficial to Kiev. According to him, the document recognizes US participation in the management of all mineral resources, including oil and gas, and does not mention ensuring Ukraine's security.

Previously, on March 24, US President Donald Trump expressed hope that a revenue-sharing agreement between Washington and Kiev on Ukraine's important minerals would be signed soon.

Speaking to reporters, President Trump also confirmed that Washington is negotiating with Kiev about the possibility of American companies owning Ukrainian power plants.

“We are discussing territory. We are discussing demarcation lines, we are talking about energy, ownership of power plants. Some people are saying that the United States should own the power plants… because we have the expertise,” he revealed.

At a press conference in Kiev on March 28, President Zelensky also said that Ukraine would be ready to negotiate with any representative from Russia except President Vladimir Putin. The Ukrainian leader also rejected his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin's proposal that Ukraine could have an interim government under the supervision of the United Nations, calling it a ploy to delay peace.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ukraine-phan-ung-du-thao-thoa-thuan-khoang-san-moi-hoan-toan-khac-voi-ban-dau-khong-cong-nhan-cac-khoan-vien-tro-quan-su-la-vay-can-hoan-tra-309240.html