"Economic alliance proposed by Treasury Secretary for enhanced US-Ukraine ties, sparked by recently sealed minerals agreement"
Rewritten Article:
Scott Bessent, the U.S. Treasury Secretary, spoke enthusiastically about the recently inked minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States on Fox Business, indicating a new chapter in the relationship between the two nations.
Bessent highlighted the comprehensive economic prospect of the deal, stating, "This isn't just about rare earths, it encompasses infrastructure, energy – it's a win-win situation for both parties."
The long-awaited minerals accord was finalized on April 30, creating a joint investment fund in Ukraine. Negotiations leading up to the agreement were at times tense, and the deal's signing was initially scheduled for late February. However, the plan fell apart amidst a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and former U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House.
Bessent sees the deal as a clear message to Russia's leadership. He said, "This is a strong signal to the Russian leadership, and it gives President Trump a stronger negotiating position with Russia, rather than the daylight that had previously existed between the U.S. and Ukraine."
The current agreement doesn't contain any explicit security assurances, according to Mykhailo Svyrydenko in an article on X. However, he suggests that the deal might also offer additional assistance, such as air defense systems for Ukraine.
Bessent emphasized the importance of revitalizing Ukraine's economy. "We're aiming to boost Ukraine's economy, as President Zelensky often says, 'Economic security is national security, and national security is economic security.' A strong post-conflict Ukraine will help Ukrainians maintain their national security," he explained.
Bessent's remarks come as peace deal discussions mediated by the U.S. persist. Trump reportedly feels frustrated with the conversation's pace, recently expressing that Russian President Vladimir Putin might merely be "tapping me along."
The agreement, which is yet to be approved by the Ukrainian parliament, has received some skepticism from lawmakers due to a lack of details. While revenues from Ukraine's licenses will be allocated to the fund, it remains unclear how the Trump administration will motivate American businesses to invest in Ukrainian projects.
In a May 1 interview, Trump claimed that the minerals agreement with Ukraine ensures a significant return for the U.S. beyond the $350 billion in aid provided, a figure repeatedly inflated by Trump. Zelensky has praised the agreement as a "fair partnership" that could draw further American support.
- Scott Bessent, the US Treasury Secretary, believes the minerals agreement between Ukraine and the US, which encompasses joint investments, infrastructure, and energy, signifies a reset in the relationship between the two nations, with potential implications for politics and general news.
- The minerals deal, involving investments in Ukrainian minerals like rare earths, could attract American businesses, as outlined by Scott Bessent, standing as a signal to Russia's leadership, rather than the previous daylight between the US and Ukraine.
- Despite the reservations of some lawmakers regarding the minerals agreement's lack of details, President Zelensky praises it as a 'fair partnership' that has the potential to draw further American support in the business sector.
- Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian President, and Donald Trump, former U.S. President, underwent tense negotiations for the minerals accord, where funding will ultimately be channeled into Ukraine's infrastructure and economy, ultimately aiming to secure the nation's national security.
