Brussels: Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced a new round of negotiations with the United States for a deal on critical minerals, set to begin this week. A delegation will travel to the US for technical-level discussions. The prime minister shared this information during a press briefing at the EU-Ukraine Association Council.
According to Anadolu Agency, Shmyhal emphasized that Ukraine has established certain "red lines" that are non-negotiable. These include adherence to Ukraine's Constitution, commitment to European aspirations, and compliance with international legislation. Shmyhal also stressed that the agreement should be a partnership with equal conditions for both countries.
He further stated that Ukraine is forming a special technical delegation and collaborating with international law firms. "We will send our delegation together with our lawyer to the United States at the end of this week," he said, indicating that technical negotiations are expected to take place over the weekend and into the following week.
The original agreement, which would give the US access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals, was initially scheduled to be signed at the White House in February. However, the signing was canceled due to a heated dispute between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Last month, Zelenskyy noted that the US had sent a new version of the draft minerals deal proposal to Kyiv.
In related developments, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas reaffirmed the European Union's commitment to Ukraine. Speaking alongside Shmyhal, Kallas highlighted the urgency of international support, noting that Ukraine is "fighting a war that only Russia wants to continue." Kallas announced that the EU and its member states are supplying over 1 million rounds of ammunition, with 2 million more rounds pledged.
She also mentioned that Ukraine will soon receive 1.4 billion euros from Russian immobilized assets, with a second tranche of 2.1 billion pounds expected by the end of the month. The bulk of this funding will support Ukraine's defense industry.
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos described the EU's support as a "long-term strategic investment in the security and safety of Europe," noting that the bloc has mobilized 144 billion pounds since the war began in 2022. Kos highlighted progress in areas such as mutual recognition of technical standards, roaming, and preparation for SEPA integration, underscoring Ukraine's growing integration into the core of Europe.