After several weeks of intense discussions, Kyiv and Washington have reached a preliminary agreement to collaboratively develop Ukraine’s natural resources. Although the final agreement is still far from being finalized, the diplomatic process surrounding it holds as much significance as the agreement itself.
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The moment Ukraine and the US agreed on a framework for a comprehensive economic pact, which includes access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, it marked a significant de-escalation between the two nations.
Although this is a first step towards a more extensive agreement, the diplomatic importance of this development should not be underestimated, according to Yuliia Pavytska, Manager of the Sanctions Programme at the Kyiv School of Economics.
Pavytska explained to Euronews that in the past, when Washington announced that the Trump administration sought peace through strength, Kyiv was surprised when this translated into influence over Kyiv rather than Moscow.
“Nobody could have anticipated the magnitude, how this deal would unfold, and that what was finally presented for signing would be a ruthless agreement that essentially compelled Ukraine to relinquish its resources, turning all previously provided aid from grants into loans. The initial draft was not in Ukraine’s interest and challenged Ukrainian sovereignty.”
Pavytska stated that Kyiv made “significant progress” in amending the agreement to better serve Ukraine’s interests and achieve a more balanced outcome.
For Ukraine, maintaining this balance becomes more complex, as it also involves commitments to the European Union.
Pavytska emphasized the importance of ensuring the high-level agreement with the US “does not contradict or violate any agreements or understandings already established with the EU.”
“The European Union is one of our key and strategic partners. It has been, is, and will always be,” she told Euronews. She also mentioned that the Ukrainian government is working to strengthen its cooperation with the EU to guarantee Brussels that Kyiv remains committed to the EU integration process.
Pavytska noted that the fact the entire agreement requires parliamentary ratification serves as a kind of “safety helmet” for Ukraine, ensuring that other agreements do not conflict with those Kyiv has in place with the EU.
Earlier this week, Euronews reported that the Trump administration aims to ensure any bilateral deal providing Ukraine with security in exchange for a share in its mineral wealth would prioritize over any obligations Kyiv may have to other allies, including the EU.
