Ukraine 'backs down' to sign Mineral Agreement, Secretary Rubio still 'doesn't want to call it a security guarantee'

The Ukrainian President's Office said that the country is ready to sign a rare earth minerals agreement with the United States, a move considered important in bilateral relations between the two countries.

Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Ihor Zhovkva, in a statement on national television, confirmed that the issues of the Mineral Agreement were discussed during negotiations with US administration officials in Saudi Arabia.

Rare earth mining in Ukraine's Zhytomyr region. (Source: The New York Times)

"The Ukrainian government approved the draft agreement on February 26, including the appointment of two authorized signatories. The Ukrainian side has confirmed its readiness to sign this document," Mr. Zhovkva stressed.

According to the Deputy Chief of Staff, Ukraine proposed a variety of flexible signing methods, including both online and in-person: "We can meet in the United States, Ukraine or a third country. Even online signing is a viable option. The US side has taken note of these proposals."

This agreement is part of a broader framework for the establishment of a reconstruction investment fund between the two countries, with six key elements approved by the Ukrainian cabinet.

Earlier on March 12, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the proposed mineral deal would create “an immutable interest” for the United States in Ukraine’s security, although he has yet to commit to formal guarantees.

Speaking during a stop in Ireland, Secretary of State Rubio shared: “I don’t want to call this a security guarantee, but certainly, if the United States has a vested economic interest in the well-being of our people as well as the people of Ukraine, we have a vested interest in protecting that commitment.”

“Certainly one of the things that will create long-term prosperity and security for Ukraine is strong economic growth and development,” Mr. Rubio asserted.

According to the US Secretary of State, a growing economy “will give (Ukraine) significant advantages and strengths, as well as the ability to self-finance its defense activities.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio also admitted that European countries will eventually have to join discussions related to the Russia-Ukraine conflict if the discussion progresses, because Moscow will be eager to end the sanctions of the "Old Continent".

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/ukraine-xuong-nuoc-san-sang-ky-thoa-thuan-khong-san-ngoai-truong-rubio-van-khong-muon-goi-day-la-bao-dam-an-ninh-307674.html