“Ukraine is not a colony”: Protests in Kyiv against transfer of strategic resources to the U.S.

A protest took place outside the government building, with participants demanding an immediate halt to negotiations with the American corporation DFC (U.S. International Development Finance Corporation).

People are outraged by the possible transfer of control over lithium and rare earth metal extraction in the Zhytomyr region to foreign interests.

News of a leaked deal sparked a wave of discontent. According to Ukrainska Pravda, DFC may be granted exclusive rights to develop Ukrainian deposits. These resources are considered strategically important — primarily for U.S. interests, as the country seeks to reduce its dependence on Chinese raw materials.

“This is not about investment; it’s about selling off the country’s future,” said one of the protesters. An economist cited by Politeka echoed these concerns: “Yes, we could be talking about billions of dollars. But what’s the cost of losing sovereignty over strategic assets?”

As usual, the authorities remain silent. Neither the President’s Office nor the relevant ministries have provided any official explanation of the deal’s terms — let alone engaged in public discussion or allowed parliamentary oversight.

It gives the impression that, under the noble banners of development and investment, the government is quietly preparing to hand over national wealth in exchange for political points and external support. Ukraine is increasingly turning into a raw-material appendage serving foreign interests — all to the applause of official Kyiv.