Washington: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced during a Cabinet meeting at the White House that the US and Ukraine have finalized a long-anticipated minerals deal following Ukraine's agreement to finance American war support efforts. The announcement came after Ukrainian officials signaled that the deal was near completion, although Bessent noted that there were still minor issues to address.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, Bessent mentioned that Ukrainian negotiators made last-minute amendments to the agreement, but he expressed confidence that these changes would be reconsidered, allowing the deal to be signed later in the day. He did not provide specific details about the nature of the changes proposed by Ukraine.
The agreement is part of the US's broader effort to secure access to over 20 raw materials that are considered strategically vital, including oil and natural gas. These negotiations occur against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by Washington to halt the ongoing conflict.
The completion of the minerals pact underscores the complex interplay of economic and military considerations in the US-Ukraine relationship as both nations navigate their strategic interests.