Ukrainian MP outlines three major risks in rare earths deal with U.S.

She made the remarks during a broadcast on Espreso TV.

“As for the mineral resources agreement between Ukraine and the U.S., there are three potential risks. First, the agreement may recognize some questionable debts that are not actual debts but rather grant aid to Ukraine. And when it comes to the transfer of U.S. weapons to us, the profit from those weapons remained with American manufacturers on U.S. territory,” Sirko emphasized.

According to her, the second risk is the possibility of a U.S. monopoly over how revenue from Ukrainian resources is distributed, which, in other words, could result in economic colonization.

“The third risk is that the agreement does not account for any security guarantees. In fact, we are signing these agreements and discussing them to receive security guarantees in various forms. If these three points are not violated, then I see no issue with the Ukrainian economy receiving U.S. investments: we would have joint ventures, jobs — in other words, it would be beneficial for both economies. But we must ensure that these three key red lines are not crossed,” Sirko stressed.

• On April 15, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that talks between Ukraine and the U.S. on a rare earth minerals agreement would continue this week.
• On April 16, First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy Yuliia Svyrydenko reported that the negotiations have made a positive step, which the two sides agreed to record in a memorandum of understanding.
• On April 17, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine and the U.S. may sign a memorandum of intent regarding the agreement on rare earth minerals online.