The EU wants Ukrainian resources: Brussels offered a new agreement to Kyiv
The European Union has proposed a mutually beneficial agreement with Ukraine on critical resources. Amid Trump's demands, the deal with the EU appears as an alternative to U.S. pressure.
The European Union has proposed an agreement with Ukraine on the extraction and supply of critical materials, EU Commissioner for Industrial Policy Stéphane Séjourné announced on Monday during his visit to Kyiv, as reported by Barrons.
The negotiations took place on the anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion.
According to Séjourné, Ukraine can provide 21 out of 30 strategic materials essential for European industry. Brussels insists the deal will be mutually beneficial and does not include conditions that would infringe on Kyiv's interests.
This move by the EU comes amid active negotiations between Ukraine and the U.S. Donald Trump previously stated that Washington wants to "get something in return" for its financial support of Kyiv. Among the demands are access to rare earth metals and oil.
Thus, Ukraine faces a choice: cooperation with the EU on a partnership basis or meeting U.S. demands in exchange for further support.
Earlier, it was reported that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refused to sign an agreement with the U.S. on transferring 50% of rare earth metals, as the document did not include clear security guarantees for Ukraine. He made this statement at a press conference.
According to Zelensky, the U.S. insisted on a fixed share of resources but did not offer reciprocal guarantees. He noted that he is open to a public discussion of the terms but is not willing to sign the document without ensuring Ukraine’s interests.
Negotiations are ongoing, with legal teams from both sides working on possible amendments to the agreement.
It was previously reported that Zelensky held talks with the leaders of seven countries, discussing arms supplies, security guarantees, sanctions, and ways to achieve a peaceful resolution, expressing gratitude for their support.
Additionally, it became known that against the backdrop of negotiations between the U.S. and Russia, Zelensky stated that Ukraine lacks Patriot air defense missiles, warning that this threatens the security of Ukrainian cities amid potential attacks.