Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko announced that Kyiv intends to send a delegation to Washington next week to initiate discussions on a new agreement with the United States concerning Ukraine’s mineral resources.

During a visit to northern Ukraine, Svyrydenko stated that the 'new draft agreement presented by the United States indicates that the intention to establish a fund or joint investment remains in place.' She emphasized that the current document reflects the views of the legal team at the U.S. Treasury Department and is not the final version nor a mutually agreed position.

The Ukrainian delegation will consist of representatives from the ministries of economy, foreign affairs, justice, and finance.

According to a leaked document, the new draft not only addresses rare minerals but also encompasses gas and oil resources.

However, Ukrainian officials have been cautious in commenting on the contents of the draft, asserting that it currently reflects only one party's stance.

The protracted negotiations aimed at establishing an agreement on mineral resources have already strained relations between Kyiv and Washington.

In February, both parties were preparing to sign a framework agreement, but the plan encountered difficulties following a controversial meeting at the White House involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.

Following the leak of the new draft agreement by certain members of the Ukrainian parliament, it faced criticism from opponents who viewed it as an effort to strip Kyiv of control over its natural resources and infrastructure.