U.S. Visa Cancellation Suggestion by Zelensky for Opponents of Land Deal
Zelensky Fires a Warning Shot Over US Minerals Agreement
President Volodymyr Zelensky has thrown his weight behind the proposed subsoil resources agreement with the United States, and he's not afraid to name-and-shame those in the Verkhovna Rada who might stand in the way, potentially costing them their American visas.
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Zelensky said, "Those who don't support this agreement should think twice about their foreign travels." He added, "I believe the U.S. should revoke their visas."
Without mentioning names, Zelensky insinuated that some deputies are spending time overseas, painting a bleak picture of Ukraine, only to return home and vote against the U.S.'s interests. "They parade around the corridors of congressmen or senators, claiming to be their brothers forever, but when they return to Ukraine, they fail to support what's crucial for America," Zelensky stated.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal had previously expressed optimism that the Verkhovna Rada would ratify the signed subsoil agreement with the U.S. by May 8. However, it's worth noting that the "technical" agreements have yet to be finalized, signed, and published, making any definitive conclusions about the agreement's merits premature.
In the U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement, signed on April 30, 2025, Ukraine retains control over its subsoil resources, infrastructure, and natural resources, with no debt obligations imposed. The agreement also establishes a U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund to aid in reconstruction and economic integration without explicit security guarantees. Tensions arose during the finalization of the agreement, with U.S. officials claiming Ukraine requested last-minute changes, while Ukrainian sources cited U.S. pressure to link the minerals deal with the investment fund agreement.
Strategic alignment and geopolitical considerations are at play amid evolving U.S.-Ukraine relations, particularly between President Trump and Zelensky. The agreement also aims to address concerns about resource governance, hopefully countering perceptions of exploitation in earlier draft agreements.
It's essential to note that no verifiable information exists about specific Ukrainian officials losing their visas over opposition to the deal, as per the available sources. Any claims regarding such measures would require further corroboration from additional reporting.
- President Volodymyr Zelensky threatened to revoke the visas of members of the Verkhovna Rada who might obstruct the subsoil resources agreement with the United States.
- In his warnings, Zelensky insinuated that some deputies are undermining Ukraine's relations with the U.S. by contradicting their interests.
- The policy-and-legislation surrounding the U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement could face challenges due to the potential risks involved in politics and general news.
- Despite Zelensky's threats, the revocation of visas for Ukrainian officials opposed to the deal remains unverified, requiring further corroboration from additional reporting.
