Breakthrough in negotiations between the US and Ukraine on access to subsoil is unlikely – Reuters
The quarry of the Central Mining and Processing Factory owned by Metinvest Holding LLC in Kryvyi Rih. Photo: Getty Images
Negotiations between Ukrainian and American officials on US access to Ukrainian mineral deposits took place in the conditions of « antagonistic » atmosphere, which seriously complicates the achievement of any breakthrough.
Source: agency Reuters With reference to the informed source, as well as a representative of the US Department of Finance.
Details: The source notes that the atmosphere was « very antagonistic », and therefore – serious progress in negotiations at the current stage looks unlikely.
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According to the interlocutor, special tension was caused by the last project of the proposal of the Trump administration, which is much more « expansive » and « maximalist » compared to the original version.
The last version of the Agreement stipulates that the US will receive priority access to the Ukrainian subsoil, and all income – both public and private companies – should be sent to a joint investment fund.
At the same time, the agreement does not contain any security guarantees for Ukraine – a key requirement by the Ukrainian authorities.
Literally: « According to the source, one of the » hidden points « found in the project is the requirement that the US International Financial Development Corporation (DFC) has taken control of the Gazprom gas pipeline, which passes through the territory of Ukraine to Europe. »
Details: The representative of the US Department of Finance, commenting on negotiations, concisely described them as « technical in nature. »
According to the source, the Ukrainian side hired a law firm Hogan Lovells as an external advisor regarding the agreement.
Prehistory:
- April 11th The Ukrainian delegation arrived in Washingtonfor the new round of negotiations between Ukraine and the United States on the subsoil agreement, which is expected to last for two days, will mostly technical and do not provide for the involvement of high -ranking officials.
- Earlier, the EP reported that US President Donald Trump’s administration returned to the version of the subsoil Agreement Requirement for Ukraine to reimburse all assistance, Which the US was given after the full -scale invasion of Russia in 2022.
