The US declares that Ukraine has opted for revisions to the land-use accord.
Gist:
Negotiations are ongoing between Ukraine and the US over a framework agreement on subsoil use. On April 30, 2025, treasury secretary Scott Bessent revealed that the Ukrainian side had made last-minute changes to the agreement. However, Bessent stated that the US is ready to sign the agreement, provided Ukraine reconsiders their decision. Details about the changes proposed by Ukraine weren't disclosed, but Bessent confirmed that the US hasn't introduced any changes.
Meanwhile, conflicts arose between Kyiv and Washington at the last minute, according to various media outlets. The much-anticipated agreement could be signed as early as April 30.
Here's the breaking news:
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent dropped a bombshell during a U.S. cabinet meeting on April 30. He revealed that the Ukrainian side has thrown a curveball by introducing changes to the framework agreement on subsoil use, which Bessent says concerns "the very agreement we agreed on over the weekend."
Bessent remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the changes but declared that there are no changes on the US side. He added that they are ready to sign the agreement as soon as Ukraine reconsiders their decision.
"Yesterday evening, the Ukrainian side decided to introduce some changes at the last minute. We are confident that they will reconsider this decision, and if so, we are ready to sign the agreement today in the second half of the day," Bessent announced.
It appears that talks between the two countries took a turn as disputes arose at the last minute, but the agreement is still expected to be signed on April 30.
Don't forget, this news is developing, so keep an eye on the headlines. We'll keep you updated on any changes to this dynamic situation.
Background:
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmyhal revealed on April 30 that the framework agreement on subsoil use with the US could potentially be signed on the same day. But, as reported by several media outlets, disagreements arose between the two nations at the last minute. The details of these disagreements and the changes the Ukrainian side is proposing remain unclear.
According to the enrichment data, the agreement outlines some significant aspects:
- Ownership and control: The Ukrainian state maintains ownership and control over its subsoil resources, ensuring that decisions regarding what and where to extract belong to Ukraine.
- Equal partnership: The joint investment fund on a 50/50 basis between the U.S. and Ukraine establishes an equal partnership in the development and extraction of mineral resources.
- No debt obligations: The agreement does not impose any debt obligations on Ukraine. Instead, it offers mutually beneficial terms for both countries to profit from the partnership.
- Revised draft agreement: The agreement underwent significant revisions during negotiations, evolving into a more balanced, equal partnership that benefits both sides.
- In a surprising turn of events, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced yesterday evening that the Ukrainian side has made last-minute changes to the framework agreement on subsoil use, causing a stir in the ongoing negotiations between Ukraine and the US.
- Bessent stated during a US cabinet meeting that the changes concern "the very agreement we agreed on over the weekend," and that the US is ready to sign the agreement if Ukraine reconsiders their decision.
- Meanwhile, details about the changes proposed by Ukraine remain undisclosed, but Bessent confirmed that there are no changes on the US side.
- Amidst the developing situation, it is expected that the much-anticipated agreement will still be signed on April 30, provided the Ukrainian side reconsiders their last-minute changes and agrees to the policy-and-legislation outlined in the framework.
