Importance Score: 78 / 100 🔴
US and Ukraine to Sign Minerals Deal as Peace Talk Doubts Intensify
Kyiv, Ukraine – A memorandum of intent concerning a significant minerals deal is slated to be signed next week between Ukraine and the United States, according to a document obtained by the Guardian. This agreement proposes the establishment of a joint investment fund aimed at bolstering collaboration between the two nations. The draft acknowledges the substantial financial and material aid provided by Washington to Kyiv since the onset of Russia‘s full-scale invasion in 2022. This development unfolds amidst ongoing discussions regarding peace negotiations and concerns over US commitment to resolving the conflict.
Minerals Deal Details Emerge
Details within the memorandum do not specify whether profits generated from future investments will be designated to reimburse the US for prior military assistance under the Biden administration. Former President Donald Trump has asserted that Ukraine “owes” the US a sum of at least $300 billion. In contrast, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has stated that the provision of weaponry constituted a grant approved by Congress, not a loan, and therefore is not subject to repayment. However, Zelenskyy indicated Ukraine’s willingness to procure future military aid from a potential Trump administration on a paid basis.
US Ready to Step Back from Peace Efforts, Rubio Indicates
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Friday that President Donald Trump is prepared to disengage from efforts to mediate a Russia-Ukraine peace agreement within a matter of days unless tangible progress towards a resolution becomes evident.
Speaking in Paris after discussions with European and Ukrainian counterparts, Rubio conveyed a sense of urgency:
“We are not going to prolong this endeavor for weeks or months without clear forward momentum.”
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“A swift determination is needed – within days – regarding the feasibility of a deal in the coming weeks. If achievable, we remain engaged. If not, alternative priorities will command our attention.”
Reuters reported that Rubio clarified Trump’s continued interest in a settlement but emphasized his readiness to withdraw should prompt advancements fail to materialize.
France’s foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot, the UK’s foreign secretary, David Lammy, and US secretary of state Marco Rubio at the meeting in Paris on Thursday.
During his election campaign, Trump pledged to resolve the conflict within 24 hours of assuming office at the White House. Upon taking office, he adjusted this timeline, suggesting a potential agreement by April or May, acknowledging growing complexities.
Key Developments in the Ukraine Conflict:
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China Accused of Supplying Russia with Weapons
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy asserted on Thursday that China is providing Russia with weaponry, including gunpowder and artillery. He further alleged that Chinese individuals are participating in weapons manufacturing within Russian territory, citing reports from Ukrainian security and intelligence agencies. “We are prepared to elaborate on this matter,” Zelenskyy stated, indicating Ukraine’s intention to share supporting documentation next week. China has refuted accusations of arming Russia in the conflict against Ukraine.
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Beijing Denies Supplying Lethal Aid
Beijing on Friday refuted allegations of furnishing lethal weaponry to any party involved in the Ukraine conflict. Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, “The Chinese side has consistently refrained from providing lethal weapons to any conflict participant and maintains strict control over dual-use items.”
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Ukraine and US Move Forward on Investment Fund
Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced on Thursday that Kyiv and Washington have signed a “memorandum of intent” concerning a proposed “investment fund for the reconstruction of Ukraine.” Donald Trump mentioned the forthcoming signing of a minerals deal “next Thursday.” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated to AFP that a deal was targeted for April 26.
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Russian Attacks Result in Casualties in Kharkiv and Sumy
Overnight Russian strikes resulted in the deaths of two individuals and injuries to at least 27 others in Kharkiv and Sumy, northeastern Ukraine, according to official reports on Friday. Kharkiv Mayor Igor Terekhov stated, “Preliminary information suggests ballistic missiles with cluster munitions were used in the Kharkiv strikes, causing extensive damage.” He added that 15 apartment buildings sustained damage. In Sumy, near the Russian border, a Russian Shahed drone attack on civilian infrastructure caused one fatality and one injury, as reported by the regional military administration.
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Russia Shifts Strike Focus to Civilian Infrastructure, Says Zelenskyy
President Zelenskyy noted a shift in Russia’s strategy, with decreased strikes on Ukrainian energy facilities but increased attacks targeting civilian infrastructure. Speaking at a press conference in Kyiv, Zelenskyy clarified that the overall number of Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukraine remained consistent. “They have reduced energy strikes, which is factual. However, it’s crucial to recognize that Russia has not reduced the total strike volume; their tactic has evolved… by reducing [energy] strikes, they are now targeting other civilian infrastructure.”
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Russia Accuses Ukraine of Violating Energy Ceasefire
Russia’s UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia accused Ukraine at the security council on Thursday of disregarding the energy ceasefire. Following the council meeting, Slovenia, Denmark, France, Greece, and Britain issued a joint statement urging Russia to agree to a comprehensive and unconditional ceasefire. Slovenia’s UN Ambassador, Samuel Zbogar, stated, “Ukraine desires peace, evidenced by their agreement to a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire five weeks prior. Yet, Russia has again rejected a comprehensive ceasefire and refused to take the initial step towards peace.”