Axios: U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal nears completion:
Axios is reporting that a deal with US and Ukraine is close:
U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Agreement: Nearing a deal worth hundreds of billions of dollars, focused on economic investment and Ukraine’s sovereignty.
U.S. Perspective: Trump administration sees it as a way to recoup U.S. investment in Ukraine.
Ukraine’s View: Officials hope the deal will stabilize relations with the U.S. and ensure long-term support.
Reconstruction Investment Fund:
- Co-managed by the U.S. and Ukraine.
- Designed to attract investments in infrastructure, mining, and ports.
- Allows the U.S. to recoup expenditures related to Ukraine’s defense and recovery.
Zelensky’s Position:
- Rejected initial U.S. demand for $500 billion from Ukraine's minerals.
- Insists that aid should not be considered debt.
- Wants U.S. military support included in the agreement.
Financial Terms:
- Ukraine must contribute double the U.S. investment to the fund.
- 50% of revenues from extractable materials (minerals, oil, gas) will be allocated to the fund.
Key Omission: The draft does not specify any U.S. military commitment to Ukraine’s defense.