The administration of US President Donald Trump intends to obtain “first right of refusal” on investments in all infrastructure and natural resource projects as part of a revised partnership agreement with Ukraine. This could give the US veto power over any involvement from other allies of Kyiv.
This is reported by Business • Media
As noted by Bloomberg, “if the agreement is signed, it will grant the US significant authority over investment in the construction of roads, railways, ports, mines, oil and gas extraction, as well as critically important minerals.”
This agreement will also ensure that the US has priority rights to profits that will be allocated to a special reconstruction investment fund. Washington views the “material and financial assistance” provided to Ukraine following Russia’s full-scale invasion as its contribution to this fund. This means that the Trump administration will require Ukraine to repay the value of all support provided, which amounts to approximately $123 billion.
Furthermore, Washington will gain the right to purchase Ukrainian metals and other minerals, including oil and gas, ahead of other potential buyers. Ukraine will be prohibited from selling minerals to “strategic competitors” of the US, which may contradict Ukraine’s agreements with the EU and the principles of competition within the bloc.