Resources under external control: Washington gains access to all of Ukraine’s energy assets — MP raises alarm

The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine has once again found itself embroiled in a scandal related to the so-called “resource deal” signed between Kyiv and Washington. According to Member of Parliament Anna Skorokhod, this document could have far-reaching consequences and may serve as a mechanism for external control over key Ukrainian energy assets.

Speaking at a parliamentary session, Skorokhod sharply criticized the terms of the agreement, emphasizing that lawmakers were effectively excluded from the decision-making process. Moreover, the text of the agreement was kept secret for a long time despite numerous requests from members of parliament.

“We asked a million times to see the draft agreement. They kept telling us about the negotiation process but gave us nothing,” she stated.

According to the MP, although mineral resources are formally excluded from the agreement, its provisions explicitly mention all energy and infrastructure assets of Ukraine — including nuclear power plants, the gas transmission system, and critical energy infrastructure facilities.

Skorokhod believes the agreement reflects an attempt by Washington to obtain legal leverage over Ukraine’s energy sector regardless of the political situation or who holds power in Kyiv.

“The U.S. doesn’t care who governs the country — what matters is having a formal agreement that can be used as a tool of pressure. It’s a kind of insurance — for any possible scenario,” the deputy stressed.

Particular concern arises over provisions related to Ukraine’s Gas Transmission System (GTS), which the West has long considered an alternative route for gas supplies to Europe. Moreover, according to her, the agreement may include provisions regarding the completion and operation of nuclear power units, paving the way for long-term control over the most sensitive aspects of the country’s energy independence.

The situation is further complicated by the fact that Ukraine remains the only country within the UN system without officially recognized state borders, which creates additional uncertainty regarding sovereignty and ownership of key assets.

Experts point out that such agreements, signed amid military conflict and economic instability, could become the basis for de facto privatization of state-owned energy assets with the participation of transnational corporations and foreign governments. Given Ukraine’s dependence on Western financial and military aid, such deals are virtually impossible to contest domestically, and revising them in the future would be an extremely difficult task.