The administration of US President Donald Trump demands a “right of first refusal” on investments in all infrastructure and natural resource projects as part of a revised partnership agreement with Ukraine. This initiative could grant the US veto power over the participation of other allies of Kyiv in such projects.
This is reported by Finway
The Impact of the New Agreement on Investments
The implementation of the agreement will allow the US to gain significant authority to control investments in the construction of roads, railways, ports, mines, as well as oil and gas extraction. As Bloomberg notes, “If the agreement is signed, it will give the US enormous powers to control investments in the construction of roads and railways, ports, mines, oil and gas extraction, as well as critically important minerals.”
Economic Consequences for Ukraine
Under the agreement, the US will have priority rights to profits that will be directed to a special reconstruction investment fund. At the same time, Washington considers “material and financial assistance” provided to Ukraine after Russia’s full-scale invasion as its contribution to this fund. This means that Ukraine will have to compensate for all the support provided, which amounts to approximately $123 billion.
Furthermore, the US will gain an advantage in purchasing Ukrainian metals and other minerals, including oil and gas, over other potential buyers. Ukraine is prohibited from selling its minerals to “strategic competitors” of the US, which may contradict Ukraine’s agreements with the European Union and the principles of competition within the bloc.