US senator on agreement with Ukraine on rare earths: This is long-term
Photo: Thom Tillis (Vitalii Nosach, RBC-Ukraine)
The agreement between Ukraine and the United States on rare earth natural resources will be long-term. It aims to stimulate defense cooperation between the two countries, US Senator Thom Tillis stated this during his visit to Kyiv.
"That is a long term. That's not an immediate play. That's not something that you derive value from this year or next year. That is a part of a long-term agreement. Clearly, that has to drive defense cooperation, defense guarantees. Very early stages. I believe that the Ukrainian president, President Zelensky, and his advisors are taking a look at that," Tillis said.
The senator noted that it is still too early to talk about a specific agreement, as it is still under discussion. In his opinion, those who believe that a decision has already been made are not directly involved in the negotiations. He emphasized that the process must move forward, as it is a key factor in attracting the economic resources necessary for Ukraine’s reconstruction and recovery.
Ukraine-US partnership agreement
The US recently presented Ukraine with a draft agreement on natural resources. It was noted that the agreement could be signed at the Munich Conference.
According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the partnership agreement between the US and Ukraine will serve as a long-term security shield for Ukrainians.
At the same time, according to RBC-Ukraine, Ukraine revised the agreement and submitted it to the US side.
Later, media reports stated that the US proposed transferring rights to 50% of Ukraine’s mineral reserves, but President Zelenskyy refused to sign the document under such conditions.
Earlier, on February 15, Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine continues its dialogue with the US regarding the rare earth minerals agreement. The discussion process is ongoing.
