Ukrainian PM outlines Ukraine’s red lines in minerals deal with US
Ukraine has set its red lines regarding the details of the minerals deal with the United States. There are three such points, said Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal during a press conference with European Commission representatives.
“Of course, we have red lines. First, our Constitution. Second, our aspiration for EU membership and our European obligations. Third, international law. We also understand this must be a partnership agreement, with equal terms for both sides,” Shmyhal said.
He also noted that Ukraine is currently forming a technical-level delegation and cooperating with international law firms.
“By the end of this week, we will send our delegation to the United States with a lawyer. I believe technical negotiations will continue this weekend and next week, and then we will see the results… We remain optimistic,” the Prime Minister added.
Ukraine–US deal
Back in February, Ukraine and the United States began negotiations on the minerals deal. Since then, both sides have been working to shape terms acceptable to both Kyiv and Washington. However, the initial draft of the agreement was never signed.
Recently, the US submitted a new draft of the deal to Ukraine. The two sides also held a technical online meeting regarding the agreement.
Meanwhile, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine will send a technical team to the US to negotiate with American partners on the minerals deal.
According to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, Ukraine has already finalized its position on the deal and is forming a delegation that will go to Washington for talks.
In addition, Ukraine has allocated $2.8 million for the preparation of the agreement.
