**Ukraine and US Reach Agreement on Minerals Deal, But Aid Not Included**
In a significant development, Ukraine and the United States have reached an agreement on the long-debated minerals deal. However, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has made it clear that the agreement will not include financial aid provided to Kyiv prior to its signing.
Shmyhal visited Washington as part of a Ukrainian delegation for technical talks with US officials from April 24-26. The prime minister met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to discuss “important political aspects” of the agreement. Shmyhal stated that the delegations made good progress in their negotiations and that they have clearly defined their red lines.
The main condition of the agreement is that it must comply with European obligations and not contradict Ukraine’s Constitution or legislation. The document will also need to be ratified by the Ukrainian Parliament.
**Memorandum Signed, But Deal Not Finalized**
A memorandum on the minerals deal was signed on April 27, but the agreement itself has yet to be finalized. According to the memorandum, technical talks should have been completed by April 26, with the goal of signing the deal shortly thereafter.
US President Donald Trump had complained that Kyiv was “at least three weeks late” in signing the deal. Trump has touted the minerals deal as a way for the US to “recoup” aid provided to Ukraine over the course of Russia’s full-scale war.
**Deal Has Been Under Discussion for Months**
The deal has been under discussion for months, with concerns that it contradicts Ukrainian law and could interfere with Kyiv’s hopes of joining the European Union. The agreement also became a point of tension between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Trump, who got into a heated argument in the White House on February 28 when the deal was set to be signed by the two leaders.
**Commentary**
The fact that aid provided prior to the signing of the deal is not included in the agreement is a significant concession by Ukraine. This move could help ease concerns that the US is trying to impose its own conditions on Ukraine and limit its sovereignty.
However, it remains to be seen whether this agreement will meet Ukrainian law and European Union standards. The fact that technical talks are still ongoing suggests that there may be some remaining issues to iron out.
**Analysis**
The minerals deal has been a contentious issue for months, with various stakeholders having different visions of what the agreement should entail. The signing of the memorandum is a positive step forward, but it remains to be seen whether this will ultimately lead to a signed and ratified agreement.
One thing is certain: Ukraine and the US have reached a significant milestone in their negotiations, and we can expect further developments on this story in the coming days and weeks.
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