This article is an exclusive interview with Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, where she discusses the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal. Here are the main points from the interview:
1. **The minerals deal**: The agreement allows for the creation of a joint Ukrainian-US fund to finance critical raw materials projects in Ukraine.
2. **Implementation process**: If the fund is interested in a project, they will work together with the ministry to implement it. If not, the project can be implemented through other means, such as IFIs or DFIs.
3. **License and offtake requirements**: The ministry must first offer licenses and offtakes to the fund before selling them on the global market at market price.
4. **Seed money expectations**: The minister expects to receive the first seed money by the end of September, which will be used for procedures.
5. **Concerns about the deal being bad for Ukraine**: The minister responds to concerns from some Western audiences that the deal is bad for Ukraine, saying that it’s a good working track that allows for negotiation and provision of beneficial projects.
Overall, this interview provides insight into the Ukrainian perspective on the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal and the process for implementing it.
