US and Ukraine Begin Talks on Minerals Deal

Technical consultations between the United States and Ukraine are set to begin on Friday, April 10, 2025, in Washington. The discussions center on a minerals deal backed by U.S. President Donald Trump that is part of broader peace initiatives aimed at ending the war in Ukraine. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna has confirmed that any agreement reached will not impact Ukraine’s financial obligations to the European Union or the International Monetary Fund.

In preparation for the negotiations, Kyiv has allocated $2.7 million for consulting services to protect its national interests and help frame its negotiating position. While the revised U.S. draft seeks privileged access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, previous contentious talks and debates over strategic control of assets such as rare-earth minerals underscore the cautious optimism of Ukraine’s delegation as it navigates these critical discussions.