The president of the United States, Donald Trump, expressed his support for a possible visit to Washington by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to sign an agreement that would involve the United States in the exploitation of mineral resources in Ukraine. Trump mentioned the importance of the possible agreement, referring to it as 'very big' and estimated its value at up to one billion dollars.
"It could be a one billion dollar deal," Trump commented to reporters in the Oval Office. "It could be whatever, but it’s about rare earths and other things. And he would like to sign it with me. Of course, I think it’s fine that he comes," the president added.
The specific terms of the agreement have not yet been fully revealed, but according to U.S. media, the draft being discussed included the creation of a joint fund in which Ukraine would contribute 50 percent of its revenue from the exploitation of natural resources. This fund would be aimed at reinvesting part of its profits into the economic development of Ukraine.
The agreement previously contemplated that Ukraine would contribute 500 billion dollars to a fund owned by the United States, as well as guarantees of double repayment of any future financial aid from that country to Ukraine; however, those conditions are no longer part of the agreement.
The issue of security guarantees that Ukraine is requesting from the United States is not included in the current agreement. This matter is expected to be discussed between Trump and Zelensky when the Ukrainian president's visit to Washington is finalized, scheduled for Friday.
