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Ukraine Reviews New Draft of Rare Earth Minerals Agreement From the US, Sybiha Says

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Ivan Khomenko
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Ukraine Reviews New Draft of Rare Earth Minerals Agreement From the US, Sybiha Says
Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha during an interview in Kyiv, March 15, 2025. (Source: Getty Images)

Ukraine has received a new version of the proposed agreement on mineral resources from the United States and has begun internal and bilateral consultations to review the updated terms.

According to Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrii Sybiha, the updated draft was transmitted through diplomatic channels on March 28.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Lithuanian counterpart Kęstutis Budrys on April 1, Sybiha stated that Ukraine had previously been ready to sign a preliminary framework agreement but is now considering a revised proposal from Washington.

“We have received a new version of the so-called mineral resources agreement from the US side. The Ukrainian government has initiated the necessary internal procedures in accordance with national legislation to review the document,” Sybiha said.

Consultations with the American side have already begun, with one round of talks completed. Ukraine, he said, remains committed to concluding an agreement that aligns with the national interests of both countries.

The updated agreement reportedly outlines broader US involvement in Ukraine’s natural resource sector, potentially extending beyond rare earth elements to include oil and gas. Sybiha emphasized that the increased presence of US companies could also contribute to Ukraine’s security infrastructure.

“Strengthening the presence of US business in Ukraine is an important factor. The process will continue, and we aim to finalize a mutually acceptable version of the agreement,” he added.

Earlier, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine had received a new draft of the mineral resources agreement from the United States, stating it “completely differs” from the previous version. He emphasized that US military aid should not be considered a debt, and warned against any terms that could undermine Ukraine’s interests.

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