Minerals deal. Zelenskyy states that memorandum with US may be signed today
Photo: Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President of Ukraine (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
Ukraine and the United States may sign a memorandum as early as today, April 17, as part of the minerals deal. The Ukrainian side has already given its consent, according to a briefing by President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to him, the American side proposed a few days ago that Ukraine return to signing a memorandum of intent within the framework of the minerals deal.
"A memorandum of intent, meaning not the agreement itself, may be signed online today. Our side said 'okay' to the American side. As I understand it, the Deputy Prime Minister (Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko – ed.) is working with the American side on the text," Zelenskyy said.
He noted that such a memorandum is an important first step toward the agreement.
Memorandum with the US
Ukraine and the US were initially expected to sign a framework agreement (memorandum) back in late February, when President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy visited Washington. However, the signing ceremony was canceled due to a dispute between Zelenskyy and US President Donald Trump.
Following that, Washington proposed that Kyiv proceed directly with signing a full agreement, bypassing the memorandum. Ukrainian officials emphasized that such a document would need to be ratified by the Verkhovna Rada.
Last week, a Ukrainian delegation discussed the minerals deal with US officials in Washington.
According to First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, significant progress was made during the negotiations. The two sides once again agreed to sign a memorandum.
