WSJ: Oil and gas projects to lead first phase of US-Ukraine minerals deal

Under the US-Ukraine minerals deal, oil and gas projects are most likely to be implemented first in Ukraine, The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) announced, Report informs via RBC-Ukraine.

According to American officials, oil and gas projects in Ukraine are likely to be implemented first because they are easiest to execute.

The outlet noted that before any money flows, the agreement must be ratified by Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada (Parliament - ed.). An American–Ukrainian Reconstruction Investment Fund must also be established. Only then will Ukraine be able to attract investors.

The WSJ called the signing of this agreement a diplomatic victory for both Kyiv and President Donald Trump, as he can finally claim that Ukrainians are paying for US aid, not just taking advantage of American generosity.

The report also says Trump may continue intelligence sharing with Ukraine to protect firms operating there. However, American officials told the WSJ that US companies might hesitate to invest due to the threat of daily Russian bombardments.

The WSJ adds that if a peace agreement is reached, the payoff could be enormous: Ukraine possesses 20 of the 50 mineral raw materials deemed critical, including titanium, lithium, and uranium.

On May 1, Ukraine and the United States signed a minerals deal. It foresees the creation of an investment fund, with revenues coming from the sale of Ukrainian mineral resources.