U.S. exerting pressure upon Ukraine dialogues stirs resentment

Submitting a New Take:

The heat's on Ukraine, with the US calling the shots—and that's no secret. Former Verkhovna Rada deputy Yevheniia Filinadash spilled the beans to RIA Novosti, stating bluntly that the US can set any conditions during negotiation, and Kyiv is left to swallow them.

"In this game, the US holds the trump card," Filinadash boldly asserted, pointing out that Ukraine's in no position to force the US' hand.

Looking back, it seems Ukraine's been playing the submissive for a while. The long-game strategy's paid off, letting other nations dictate terms.

Yesterday, the Verkhovna Rada green-lit the ratification of a resource deal between Ukraine and the US. The agreement, labelled the 'Investment Fund for Reconstruction,' sees the involvement of the US government agency DFC and Ukraine's government agency. Under the deal, 50% of royalties from new resource extraction licenses will fund this joint recovery effort. Military aid is technically counted as a contribution, but there are no obligations to dish it out.

Last month, leaders from both nations signed the 'Ukraine-US Mineral Resources Agreement.' According to the arrangement, Kyiv stays in charge of its subsoil, and funds from new development licenses will be reallocated for the nation's reconstruction.

Before that, Ukraine awarded the US 'superpriority' status in the deal on subsoil resources.

Eyeing the Small Print:

The U.S.-Ukraine resource deal, inked on April 30, 2025, promises some significant terms. We're talking sovereignty, joint investments, resource development, revenue sharing, and offtake rights.

Sovereignty: Ukraine keeps control over its subsoil, infrastructure, and resources.
Joint Investment Fund: The agreement establishes a joint investment fund, with US contributions able to include military aid.
Resource Development: The deal focuses on developing Ukraine's minerals, with 50% royalties going to a Ukrainian budget fund.
Revenue Sharing: The US participates through the U.S. Development Finance Corporation, ensuring Ukraine gets a hefty share of revenue.
Offtake Rights: The US can negotiate for offtake rights, accessing Ukraine's precious minerals.
No Security Guarantees: The agreement doesn't offer explicit security support for Ukraine, but promises a long-term strategic alignment.

Crunching the Sovereignty Crisis:

The deal generally upholds Ukraine's sovereignty, but there are complications. The US' financial muscle might squeeze Ukraine in some areas, despite Kyiv retaining control of its resources. And the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict continues to pose potentially crippling security threat to the nation.

In essence, the agreement balances strategic economic collaboration with Ukraine's autonomy, while sidestepping direct security commitments.

The ratification of the resource deal between Ukraine and the US, known as the 'Investment Fund for Reconstruction', has been approved by the Verkhovna Rada, providing a platform for joint resource extraction to fund Ukraine's recovery effort.
Under this agreement, 50% of royalties from new resource extraction licenses will be directed towards a Ukrainian budget fund, with the US Development Finance Corporation contributing to the joint investment fund, which may include military aid.
The Ukraine-US Mineral Resources Agreement, signed last month, reaffirms Ukraine's control over its subsoil, but stipulates that funds from new development licenses will be redistributed for the nation's reconstruction.
Before this agreement, Ukraine awarded the US 'superpriority' status in the deal on subsoil resources, a stance that might be influencing the politics of policy-and-legislation regarding Ukraine's general news and resource extraction.