U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reported President Donald Trump’s intentions to use the mineral agreement with Ukraine as leverage against Russia during negotiations. After signing the agreement, Trump planned to reach out to Moscow with a proposal to support Ukraine economically, hoping that this would encourage the Russian leadership to come to the negotiating table.
This is reported by Finway
Bessent noted that the implementation of this plan had failed, but expressed confidence in the possibility of changing the situation. He added that the agreement should not benefit only one side: “This agreement could have become a true economic partnership, rather than a ‘predatory contract’.”
This week, Ukraine is set to send a team of negotiators to Washington to finalize a new draft agreement. Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko emphasized: “What we have now is a document that reflects the position of the legal group of the U.S. Treasury. This is not the final version; it is not a joint position.”
Svyrydenko also added that Ukraine intends to clearly define its red lines and the fundamental principles on which the agreement should be based. “We are focused on ensuring that the final text of the agreement after negotiations fully aligns with our strategic interests. Both teams are capable of achieving these goals and agreeing on terms acceptable to both sides,” she noted.