"Hints at Budapest Memorandum": Ukrainian MP comments on Ukraine-U.S. minerals framework agreement

Espreso correspondent Kateryna Halko reported the information.  

Oleksandr Merezhko emphasized that the agreement is currently only a framework agreement. Once approved, further work will be required to develop a full-fledged international deal that will need to be ratified by Ukraine’s parliament.

"This is a political agreement. However, the president has stated that the next agreement, for which the necessary groundwork will be prepared, is intended to be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada for ratification. So, this is a framework agreement. The goal is to develop and establish a comprehensive international treaty in the future, with all the details typical of such agreements," Merezhko explained.

He also addressed why there is no official version of the document yet, despite media reports publishing its text.  

"Today, someone raised the question — why haven’t we seen an official version? The reason is quite simple: this text has not yet been officially signed. And, as you know, in international politics and diplomacy, negotiations often continue until the very last moment before signing. So, as of now, there is no official version. But the text is very interesting — I have reviewed it," the MP noted.

Speaking about the text of the agreement, Oleksandr Merezhko noted that "this is a win-win situation both for Trump himself and for Ukraine."  

"There is an interesting provision — a subtle reference to the Budapest Memorandum. In other words, it serves as a reminder to the American side that Ukraine gave up its nuclear weapons. The logical conclusion from this is that support for Ukraine must continue," he added.

Additionally, Merezhko pointed out the wording and terminology used in the document.  

"Considering this, we can say that it is a typical 'memorandum of understanding' — a political international agreement. This is evident from the use of the term 'participants,' whereas in international treaties, the term 'parties' is usually used. Although the agreement states that it is legally binding, this does not necessarily make it an international treaty governed by international law," the politician explained.  

He also highlighted a paragraph concerning Ukraine’s economic recovery.  

"It states that Ukraine will not engage with countries or states that have been hostile toward it. The question is — what does this mean? What is it hinting at? My guess is that the American side insisted on this clause. And it could be a reference to China," Merezhko suggested.

He added that the main idea of this agreement is that "we need to continue negotiating" and "work on a real international treaty," based on which the Reconstruction Investment Fund for Ukraine will be created.  

"A very important provision is that when this fund is created, its profits will be invested in the development of Ukraine’s economy. I don't see any threats or problems with this text or this agreement," said Oleksandr Merezhko.  

He also emphasized that this agreement represents a "serious diplomatic victory" for Ukraine.  

"Another point is that this agreement is a sign of our sovereignty. Because our negotiators, our diplomats, starting with the chief diplomat — the president — had to defend our interests from the very beginning. And they did so in front of our biggest ally, a partner we depend on in many matters. Yet, despite this, we managed to defend the state’s interests," Merezhko concluded.