Ukraine has already started spending budget millions on a mineral resources deal that has not yet been finalized

The Cabinet of Ministers has allocated 113 million hryvnias (approximately €2.5 million) for consulting services to prepare a draft agreement with the United States on critical minerals.

This is stated in Government Directive No. 316, dated April 8.

According to the document, the Ministry of Economy will receive 59 million hryvnias (€1.31 million), and the Ministry of Justice will receive 54 million hryvnias (€1.2 million).

“With the aim of protecting Ukraine’s national interests and forming Ukraine’s position—taking into account the specifics of U.S. and Ukrainian legislation—in preparing a coordinated stance for negotiations with the American side on an agreement to establish a reconstruction investment fund, 113,005 thousand hryvnias (€2.51 million) are to be allocated from the state budget’s reserve fund for consulting services related to drafting the said agreement,” the directive says.

The Ministries of Economy and Justice, which have received the funds, have been instructed to find experienced consultants by April 15.

Earlier, President Zelensky announced that a legal firm would be involved in negotiations with the U.S. regarding Ukraine’s natural resources. The first round of talks in Washington is scheduled to take place by April 15—this coming Friday.