Accordingly, the negotiations will focus on technical aspects and lay the foundation for a long-term deal in the future. Mr. Zelensky said that this must be an agreement that benefits both sides and contributes to the modernization of Ukraine. The Ukrainian negotiation delegation will be led by a deputy economic minister.
Previously, in March, Ukrainian media reported that the draft mineral agreement between the two countries could include a clause requiring Kiev to return tens of billions of dollars in aid it has received since the conflict with Russia broke out in 2022.
The Spectator magazine further revealed that the agreement could prohibit strategic mineral mining companies in Ukraine from trading with parties that Washington considers strate economic competitors.
In the context of Ukraine continuing to pursue the goal of joining the European Union (EU), the mineral agreement with Washington is being closely monitored by European agencies. Ms. Mart Kos, EU's EU enlargement Commissioner, expressed hope that the deal will not become a barrier to Ukraine's EU entry.
Kos affirmed that the European Commission supports any agreement that benefits Ukraine and welcomes Kiev's commitment to European integration. She also said the issue could be discussed in further talks with Washington.
In another trade-related development, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal called for an extension of the mechanism for exempting freight transport licenses with the EU until at least the end of this year.
He emphasized the importance of this mechanism for the Ukrainian economy, especially in the context of the country recovering from the conflict. The EU is considering an extension before the mechanism expires on June 5.
The mechanism was originally set up to support Ukraine's economy during the difficult period, but has also caused a wave of protests in some EU countries such as Poland and Hungary. Domestic manufacturers here said that they are being negatively affected by the large amount of cheap goods from Ukraine flooding into the market.
