**Ukraine’s PM Discusses Investment Fund with US Treasury Secretary**
In a recent meeting, Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko spoke with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent about the prospects of completing three key projects for a new investment fund within its first 18 months of operation.
The investment fund was established in April as part of an agreement between Ukraine and the United States to develop the country’s mineral resources. Prime Minister Svyrydenko, who has been driving this initiative forward, met with Secretary Bessent for the first time since her appointment last month. Their discussion centered around the fund’s operations and potential expansion into the defense sector.
**Strengthening Cooperation in Defense and Investment**
According to Svyrydenko, she and Bessent discussed ways to continue and strengthen cooperation between Ukraine and the United States in both defense and investment sectors. The Ukrainian Prime Minister mentioned that they are working on expanding the fund’s mandate to include investments in the defense sector.
This move is significant, as it would enable the investment fund to play a more active role in supporting Ukraine’s military capabilities. This development comes at a time when tensions between Russia and Ukraine remain high, with ongoing conflicts over territorial control and resource extraction.
**Broad Defense Agreement and Sanctions on Russia**
The conversation also touched upon the potential for a broad defense agreement between Ukraine and the United States. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been pushing for such an agreement, citing the production and sale of Ukrainian drones as a key component. Svyrydenko and Bessent reportedly discussed this proposal during their meeting.
Furthermore, they touched upon the topic of imposing tougher sanctions on Russia, a measure that Ukraine has long sought. The United States has recently threatened to introduce more stringent sanctions if Russia fails to make progress in ending the war by a deadline set for Friday.
**Conclusion**
In conclusion, the discussion between Svyrydenko and Bessent highlights the importance of cooperation between Ukraine and the United States in various sectors, including defense and investment. The development of the investment fund and potential expansion into the defense sector could have significant implications for Ukraine’s military capabilities and economic prospects.
As tensions with Russia continue to rise, it remains to be seen how these developments will shape the future of Ukrainian-US relations.
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