US Treasury Secretary Suggests Washington, Kyiv May Sign Minerals Deal Next Week

Ukrinform reports this, citing Bessent's interview with Fox News on Wednesday.

In response to a reporter's question about the preparation of a bilateral agreement on mineral extraction, Bessent noted that a draft of a broader economic partnership agreement had been presented to Ukraine.

“We have provided a final document on the economic partnership, which is currently under consideration by the Ukrainian side, and we hope to have a full discussion and perhaps even sign it next week,” Bessent added.

At the same time, he refrained from commenting on the statement about the US interest in Ukraine’s energy potential.

Asked about Russia's demands to lift some sanctions in exchange for agreements on shipping safety in the Black Sea, Bessent noted that “all issues are subject to discussion.”

“It will depend on the future actions of the Russian leadership, whether sanctions will be tightened or relaxed, and President Trump, I believe, will not hesitate to tighten sanctions if it gives him an advantage in negotiations,” he added.

Read also: US preparing new major agreement on critical minerals – Zelensky

As reported by Ukrinform, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that the American side had prepared the text of a major agreement on mineral resources. A framework agreement had been discussed earlier.

Photo: Tom Williams / CQ Rl Call