Negotiations between Ukraine and the United States on a mineral resources cooperation agreement may fall through at the last minute, Financial Times reports, citing sources familiar with the talks.
According to one source close to the U.S. position, discussions remain unfinished because the Ukrainian side attempted to revise terms that had already been agreed upon over the weekend. U.S. officials are concerned this could reduce transparency and accountability in the deal. However, the agreement could still be signed as early as Wednesday if Ukraine returns to the original terms.
Another source noted that complications arose while Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko was already en route to Washington. Upon arrival, she was reportedly told that she must be prepared to sign all the documents or return home without a deal.
According to two Ukrainian officials, the U.S. is insisting on the signing of both a framework agreement and a detailed contract establishing a special fund — a key component of the overall mineral extraction deal.
