Signing of subsoil deal with US could again collapse – Financial Times

The signing of a U.S.-Ukraine deal on mineral resources could still fall through at the last minute.

Financial Times reports, citing sources.

One source familiar with the U.S. position stated that talks remain unresolved because Ukraine attempted to revise terms that had already been agreed upon over the weekend. U.S. officials are concerned this could “reduce transparency and accountability,” but the agreement could still be signed as early as Wednesday if Ukraine returns to the original terms.

Another source said the issues arose while Ukrainian Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko was already en route to Washington. According to the report, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s team told her she must “be ready to sign everything or return home.”

Two Ukrainian officials noted that the U.S. side is insisting Ukraine sign both a framework agreement and a detailed agreement on the fund — which would finalize the overall mineral deal.

Ukraine, however, argues that it cannot sign both documents on Wednesday, as the fund agreement must first be ratified by the Verkhovna Rada (Ukrainian Parliament).

One Ukrainian negotiator expressed frustration with the U.S. side, saying they are concerned “nothing will ever be good enough” for them.

“We’re ready to sign the framework agreement today,” the official stated, but added that the odds of it happening are “not much better than 50–50.”