Ukraine ready to sign long-anticipated minerals deal with US, official tells BBC

Government sources have told the BBC Ukraine’s economy minister is currently en route to Washington DC and that she is ready to sign the deal.

An official said it was now up the White House to determine whether it goes ahead but said it could happen as soon as today.

According to BBC, full details of the agreement have not been revealed but previous leaks suggest it may include US access to Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, oil and gas, as well as precious minerals.

An investment fund for the reconstruction of Ukraine would then be set up as part of an economic partnership.

Ukraine hopes the deal will improve relations with the US which is leading efforts to reach a peace deal in Ukraine’s war with Russia.

Zelensky had travelled to Washington to sign the deal which had been trailed and praised by both sides in advance of the meeting. But instead of clinching a deal over its natural resources, the Ukrainian president faced an extraordinary dressing down in front of the world’s media.