Ukraine finalizes its position on minerals deal with US - FM

"From the Ukrainian side, we will finalize the composition of the negotiating group, which will depart for Washington in the near future to hold substantive discussions on the draft agreement proposed by the American side. We have already formulated our position, as well as our vision for the text of the future deal," Sybiha said.

He emphasized that the agreement must be mutually beneficial, align with the interests of both countries, and must not contradict Ukraine’s path toward European integration.

“This is one of the core principles for the Ukrainian side,” the Minister noted.

Sybiha also confirmed that one of the leading international law firms will be selected to support the negotiation process.

A representative of Ukraine’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be included in the delegation heading to Washington, he added.

Agreement between Ukraine and the US

In February, Ukraine and the United States began negotiations on the minerals deal. Since then, both sides have been working on terms acceptable to both Kyiv and Washington.

Recently, it was revealed that the US submitted a new draft of the agreement to Ukraine.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the new version is now a full-fledged agreement, rather than a framework deal as it was before.

Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak said that the new agreement appears to be more commercial in nature and significantly limits Ukraine’s rights.

According to Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine and the US also held a technical online meeting to discuss the deal in more detail. He disclosed the details of the negotiations.

President Zelenskyy also said that Ukraine would send a technical team to the United States to negotiate with American partners on the minerals deal.