Ukraine will send a team to Washington next week to begin negotiations on a new agreement that would give the United States access to Ukraine's mineral resources, Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko announced. She said the project aims to create a joint investment fund, but is still in the discussion stage.
The delegation will include representatives from the ministries of economy, foreign affairs, justice and finance. Negotiations on the deal have been tense after a heated meeting between the US and Ukrainian presidents, and the draft agreement has been criticized for the possibility of losing control over Ukraine's natural resources.
Svyrydenko stressed that the current document reflects only the US position and that talks will continue to ensure conditions acceptable to both sides. Ukraine seeks an agreement that respects its strategic interests and will continue negotiations to reach a mutual agreement.
