Agreement on minerals through … Vatican

It seems that mourning for the loss of Pope Francis has been beneficial to Donald Trump and Volodimir Zelenski, eventually leading them to an agreement on Ukraine’s mineral wealth, which may prove to be decisive for the continuation or not. And the brief meeting of the two at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican last Saturday proved to be enough to break the ice created between them during the Ukrainian President’s visit to the White House two months ago, when he was virtually expelled.

Others, of course, what was announced Washington on Wednesday by US Finance Minister Scott Bessed and his Ukrainian counterpart (and deputy prime minister) Yulia Sviridenko do not constitute an agreement, but an unconditional capitulation of Kiev. Whatever the case, however, the data has changed and Trump has achieved one of the goals he had set, proving again that he may be treated as a « inadequate » president, but remains a capable businessman.

The truth, of course, is that the two sides have so far avoided details that will precisely reflect the content of the agreement, leaving many unspecified points and unanswered questions. However, this is also an integral part of it, so that both are able to claim that they were justified and gained – especially Zelenski, who had been forced in March to say that « I do not sign something that the Ukrainians will pay for the next. »

As for Vladimir Putin, what he probably should have been concerned about is hiding in the following comment made by Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin consultant: « The US is starting to see themselves as Ukrainian co -owner. For this reason, they will have a attitude they consider more pro -Ducraine. « 

In any case, here’s what – for the time being – we know what is not based on what has been announced, as well as the first conclusions coming from media and analysts.

An equal (50-50) investment fund will be set up, which will be funded by future exploitation revenue of the latter’s mineral deposits-which also appears to include oil and gas-while also seeking to attract strangers. US companies acquire privileged treatment over any other candidate investors. For the first decade, the total amount will be directed to the rebuilding of Ukraine by the disasters it has suffered from the war.

It depends on the side you see. Svirindenko has claimed that Ukraine is the one who « determines what and where it will be mined », while the country’s Prime Minister Denis Smihar said that Ukraine « maintains complete control of its mineral and natural wealth as well as its infrastructure ». Many, at the same time, speak of a « colonial -type » regulation imposed by Trump.

It’s doubtful. The Americans had described the agreement as a prerequisite for the other to send military assistance to Kiev again. However – unless there are « fine letters » that are not known – the US does not give any security guarantees, nor do they undertake new commitments to Ukraine. However, any future aid will now be described as a « investment » – which apparently applies to the first weapons load allegedly approved by Trump yesterday in exchange for the signing of the Ukrainians.

Higher tones, but up there. « It is clearly marked to Russia that the Trump government is committed to a peace process that focuses on a free, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine in the long run, » Besed said, adding that « no state or private state or private.

Relatively mild. « Trump has finally managed to crush the Kiev regime to such an extent that they are now forced to pay for the US for the help of the US with their mineral wealth (…) with the national wealth of an endangered country, » said former President and Prime Minister of Russia.

Everything is in the air. And this, although Trump claims that the truce deal is very close now. « We realize that Washington is seeking rapid progress, but we hope that there will be an understanding that settlement of the Ukrainian crisis is particularly complicated to become so quickly, » commented Kremlin D. Peskov spokesman.

And yes, and no. On the one hand, it is a fact that the signed agreement, in contrast to previous drafts, does not – at least formally – set Ukraine’s paths to the EU. On the other hand, the possibilities of the same to conclude an agreement with Kiev to co -operate with rare land and other critical land and other criminal lands. European industry.