Ukraine Opposes Size of Minerals Fund to Pay Back US War Aid
Ukraine has rejected US demands for a $500 billion fund to compensate for its war aid, instead proposing a significantly lower figure of around $90 billion, as part of a deal to give Washington a cut of the country's mineral wealth. The Ukrainian government is concerned that the current draft agreement proposed by the US has some questionable elements and needs more time to finalize. The dispute reflects broader tensions between Ukraine and the US over issues of control, accountability, and ownership.
- The lack of transparency in the negotiations highlights the need for greater clarity on how revenue from natural resources will be allocated and managed in Ukraine's long-term reconstruction and development.
- How will the unresolved differences over minerals rights impact Ukraine's ability to access international financing and investment, and ultimately shape its post-war economic trajectory?