Zelenskyy: U.S. proposes signing full agreement on minerals instead of framework deal

Zelenskyy made this statement during a press conference following his meeting with world leaders in Paris. He mentioned that there are already several options for an agreement between Ukraine and the U.S. regarding minerals, but none of them are final. 

"Because the conditions are constantly changing. And it seemed that we had already agreed that there would be a framework agreement, followed by a full agreement. But now, as I understand it, both the Ukrainian and American teams are working on this. And America is changing these rules and offering to sign a full agreement right away. A full agreement requires detailed examination, because it is a serious agreement that needs to be ratified by parliament. But before all this, the lawyers must work. Initially, the lawyers worked on one agreement, then on another, and eventually we agreed on a framework agreement. Now, a new rule," Zelenskyy said.

The president emphasized that Ukraine is taking a cautious approach and is waiting for the U.S. proposal, which will be studied by lawyers. 

"So it’s too early to talk about an agreement, the version of which has changed multiple times," he stressed. Zelenskyy added that he would not want the U.S. to feel that Ukraine is opposed in general, so Kyiv is always sending positive signals.

"We are for cooperation with the U.S. and do not want to encourage the U.S. to stop aiding Ukraine or halt intelligence-sharing. It is important for us to maintain all of this, and that’s why we are acting constructively every day," he concluded.

• U.S. President Donald Trump said that he expects a revenue-sharing agreement between Ukraine and the United States on Ukrainian minerals to be signed soon.