**Ukraine and US Negotiate Minerals Deal, Zelensky Confirms No NATO Mention**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that the minerals deal being negotiated between Ukraine and the US does not mention potential NATO membership. This confirmation comes after earlier reports sparked speculation about the terms of the agreement.
Speaking on April 1, Zelensky said, “As for this agreement and the NATO question, there is no mention of NATO in this agreement, and there never was.” He added that a decision on the deal will be made in the coming days. A source within the Presidential Office had earlier stated that Ukraine was not tying the minerals deal to NATO membership.
**EU Membership Still Up for Discussion**
Zelensky also emphasized that Ukraine’s aspirations to join the European Union remain an ongoing topic of discussion. He has previously stated that Ukraine would not agree to any minerals deal if it compromised the country’s path toward EU membership. The President added, “As for the EU issue… we are linking it. When we talk about this agreement, it cannot go against… our future accession to the EU.”
**Ukrainian Lawyers Work on Minerals Deal**
Zelensky revealed that lawyers, rather than government officials, are mainly working on the minerals deal. He stated, “Regarding the new draft of this agreement, which our teams are currently working on, it would be more accurate to say that lawyers are working on it.” The US expanded its deal on mineral resources and presented it to Ukraine on March 28.
**Trump’s Comments Spark Controversy**
US President Donald Trump previously stated that Zelensky is trying to back out of a critical minerals agreement with the US. He warned, “He wants to be a member of NATO, but he’s never going to be a member of NATO. He understands that.” However, Zelensky’s confirmation that the deal does not mention NATO has put an end to speculation.
**Russian Involvement and Cyberattacks**
Meanwhile, Russia continues its military operations in Ukraine, particularly in Donetsk Oblast’s Pokrovsk sector, where fighting intensified at the end of March. Russian forces have also launched a morning attack on Kherson’s power facilities, leaving 45,000 residents without electricity.
Russia has claimed that it takes US proposals for a ceasefire in Ukraine “seriously” but cannot accept them “as they are now.” The country is facing cyberattacks on its state-owned railway operator, with Ukrainian cybersecurity officials attributing the attacks to malware developed considering the specifics of Ukrainian Railways’ infrastructure.
