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US Proposal to Control Ukrainian Energy Assets Sparks Controversy
A contentious proposal from the United States to exert control over key Ukrainian energy sites has been described as unprecedented by an energy sector expert. Alan Riley, a specialist in energy law at the Atlantic Council, remarked to the Telegraph that the latest iteration of the widely discussed energy agreement linked to Donald Trump offers minimal contribution from the US while yielding substantial advantages.
Expert Analysis of the Proposed Energy Deal
According to reports, the arrangement would effectively integrate significant sections of Ukrainian oil, natural gas, and vital mineral resources into US ownership. Professor Riley stated, “This is akin to an expropriation document. It lacks guarantees, contains no defense clauses, and requires no upfront investment from the US. The US possesses the option to withdraw, whereas Ukraine does not. I have never encountered anything comparable.”
Key Provisions of the Agreement
The revised agreement, reportedly slated for signing following a prior dispute between then-President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, would grant US companies and financiers associated with Trump control over a considerable portion of Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
The agreement, reviewed by the Telegraph, specifies that the US would assume authority over infrastructure associated with natural resources, “including, but not limited to, roads, rail lines, pipelines and other transportation assets; ports, terminals and logistical facilities; and refineries, processing plants, natural gas liquefaction and regasification facilities, and similar assets.”
Profit Distribution and Export Veto
Under the terms, Ukraine would be entitled to 50% of the profits generated, but crucially, this distribution would only commence after the settlement of Ukraine’s outstanding debts. Furthermore, the US would secure the authority to veto exports of Ukrainian energy and rare minerals. This provision could potentially restrict future import opportunities for nations like China, and also potentially impact European access.
Geopolitical Ramifications and Ukrainian Response
Professor Riley further commented, “This agreement is incompatible with European Union membership aspirations, and perhaps that is precisely the objective. I am inclined to believe that the underlying intention might be to compel President Zelensky to reject the deal outright.”
The US administration reportedly believes that deeply entrenched American interests within Ukraine would serve as an unofficial safeguard, mitigating the risk of further Russian aggression in the region.
Ukrainian lawmaker Yaroslav Zheleznyak characterized the revised agreement as a “horror” in a Telegram post. Newsweek quoted him stating that the deal notably omits “any mention of security assurances” from the United States.
“I hope that the Ukrainian side will demand and achieve significant changes to it,” he added, expressing his desire for substantial revisions to the proposed agreement.