**Ukraine and US Take Steps Towards Historic Minerals Deal**
The Ukrainian government has made a significant move towards signing a historic minerals agreement with the United States. On April 18, the government published the text of a memorandum outlining the terms of the deal, which was recently signed by both parties.
According to the document, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal will travel to Washington on April 21 to meet with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and finalize the negotiations on the agreement establishing a joint reconstruction investment fund. The technical discussions are expected to be completed by April 26, with the goal of signing the agreement shortly thereafter.
The memorandum also emphasizes the United States’ respect for Ukraine’s EU integration efforts and its obligations to international financial institutions. This is a significant point, as it addresses one of the main concerns that had been holding up the negotiations. The US has previously pushed for a minerals deal that would be incompatible with Ukraine’s European path, but this memorandum makes clear that such an agreement will not conflict with Kyiv’s EU integration efforts.
The significance of this deal cannot be overstated. It marks a major step forward in the economic partnership between the two countries and demonstrates Washington’s commitment to supporting Ukraine’s development. The agreement also has broader implications for global security, as it acknowledges Ukraine’s past contribution to international security by voluntarily surrendering its nuclear arsenal.
**What Does This Mean for Ukraine?**
For Ukraine, this deal represents a major breakthrough in its economic partnership with the US. It will provide a significant boost to the country’s development and help to establish a stable foundation for future growth. The agreement also has implications for Ukraine’s relationship with Europe, as it demonstrates that the US is willing to support Kyiv’s EU integration efforts.
**What’s Next?**
The next steps in this process will be crucial in determining the success of this deal. The technical discussions are expected to be completed by April 26, and the agreement will then need to be signed by both parties before being ratified by parliament. This is likely to take several weeks, but if successful, it will mark a major milestone in the economic partnership between Ukraine and the US.
**Expert Commentary**
“This deal represents a significant step forward in the economic partnership between Ukraine and the US,” said Yuliia Svyrydenko, Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister. “It has been months in the making, and we are confident that it will provide a major boost to Ukraine’s development.”
“The US commitment to supporting Ukraine’s EU integration efforts is also a significant point,” added an expert from the Ukrainian government. “This demonstrates that Washington is willing to support Kyiv’s European path and is not seeking to undermine its efforts in this area.”
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