Ukraine offers deal, U.S. offers plunder - investment banker on minerals

He said this on the Espreso TV channel.

“I see no reason for Ukraine to sign it. Because this is an agreement in the style of conquistadors offering something to the Incas. And since the United States is no longer our friend, and the United States does not promise us any help in the future, there is no reason to support such extortion.

Even if there was some help, it is still a very wrong concept to proceed from the paradigm that we have some imaginary debt to the US of $350 billion and we have to pay it. Even entering into negotiations with such a concept is wrong. Because it immediately creates the wrong narrative,” Fursa said.

The investment banker also added that Ukraine has no debt to the United States at the moment.

"We would be very happy if American investors came to Ukraine and extracted minerals. I think Ukraine is even ready to give them the 'right of the first night' if they want it. But there cannot be a deal where Ukraine has to pay an imaginary debt. These are the funds currently financing the Ukrainian budget. Ukraine has proposed a deal, while the U.S. is offering plunder," Fursa emphasized.

• Earlier, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggested that Kyiv and Washington could sign a minerals agreement as early as next week.
• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated on Thursday, March 27, that the U.S. has proposed signing a full agreement on minerals instead of a framework agreement.