Latest news with #USUkraineRelations
Reuters
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
Zelenskiy says deputy PM Stefanishyna to become new envoy to US
KYIV, July 17 (Reuters) - Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Thursday Olha Stefanishyna, a deputy prime minister responsible for Euro-Atlantic integration, would become the country's new ambassador to the United States. Zelenskiy wrote on Telegram that he had appointed her as the special presidential representative to the U.S. so that she could develop relations with Washington while the procedures necessary for her appointment took place. Ukraine is seeking to mend frayed ties with the U.S. after Zelenskiy and U.S. President Donald Trump clashed publicly at the White House in February. Stefanishyna has served as Ukraine's minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration since 2020, during which time Ukraine began its accession process to the EU. Ukraine's current ambassador to the U.S., Oksana Markarova, incurred the wrath of Trump's incoming administration during the 2024 election battle with his predecessor Joe Biden. Markarova was accused by Republicans of helping Biden's Democratic Party by organising Zelenskiy's visit to a Pennsylvania ammunition factory in autumn 2024, which was attended by Democratic politicians but not by Republicans. The incident was brought up by Vice President J.D. Vance during his spat with Zelenskiy in the disastrous Oval Office meeting, at which Markarova was present.
Fox News
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Ukrainian US ambassador, seen with head in hands during Oval Office meeting, is departing DC
Ukrainian ambassador to the U.S. Oksana Markarova is departing Washington, D.C., according to Ukraine's foreign ministry. The move comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy looks to inject new blood into U.S.-Ukraine relations. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced the change on Wednesday in a broadcast on Ukrainian radio. "She is extremely effective and charismatic, but every diplomat has a rotation cycle," Sybiha said. Markarova made headlines for her reaction to President Donald Trump's disastrous meeting with Zelenskyy inside the Oval Office in late February. Markarova could be seen holding her head in despair as Trump and Vice President JD Vance needled Zelenskyy. Markarova has also faced criticism from Republicans for being overly partisan in her dealings with Washington. House Speaker Mike Johnson called her out in September 2024 for hosting what he described as a campaign event for Democrats just weeks before the general elections. The event saw Zelenskyy visit a munitions factory in Pennsylvania alongside Democratic politicians and officials. Johnson noted that no Republicans were invited to the event and demanded Zelenskyy fire Markarova. Johnson said the tour "purposely excluded" Republicans, calling it "election interference." "The facility was in a politically contested battleground state, was led by a top political surrogate for Kamala Harris and failed to include a single Republican because — on purpose — no Republicans were invited," Johnson wrote in a letter to Zelenskyy, noting the attendance of Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro. He said the "shortsighted and intentionally political move" prompted Republicans to "lose trust" in Markarova's ability to fairly and effectively serve as a diplomat. "She should be removed from her post immediately," Johnson wrote.
Fox News
06-07-2025
- Politics
- Fox News
Zelenskyy touts 'fruitful' Trump call after US president was 'disappointed' by Putin talk
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Friday that he had a "very important and productive" phone call with President Donald Trump. The two leaders discussed how Ukrainian air defenses might be strengthened, possible joint weapons production between the U.S. and Ukraine, and broader U.S-led efforts to end the war with Russia, according to a statement by Zelenskyy. "I had a very important and fruitful conversation with @POTUS," Zelenskyy wrote on X. "I congratulated President Trump and the entire American people on the US Independence Day. We - in Ukraine - are grateful for all the support provided. It helps us protect lives, safeguard our freedom and independence. We have achieved a lot together with America and we support all efforts to stop the killings and restore just, lasting, and dignified peace. A noble agreement for peace is needed." Zelenskyy said he and Trump "discussed the current situation, including Russian airstrikes and the broader frontline developments." "President Trump is very well informed, and I thank him for his attention to Ukraine," he continued. "We spoke about opportunities in air defense and agreed that we will work together to strengthen protection of our skies. We have also agreed to a meeting between our teams. We had a detailed conversation about defense industry capabilities and joint production. We are ready for direct projects with the United States and believe this is critically important for security, especially when it comes to drones and related technologies. We also touched on mutual procurement and investment. Finally, we exchanged views on the diplomatic situation and joint work with the U.S. and other partners." Asked by reporters aboard Air Force One late Friday, Trump said he and Zelenskyy had "a very good call, I think a very strategic call." "Well, we've been helping them, and we'll continue to help them," Trump said of the Ukrainians. "It's a pretty tough situation. We'll see what happens. I told you I was very unhappy with my call with President Putin. And it just seems like he wants to go all the way and just keep killing people. No good. It's not good. I was unhappy with him." When asked if the U.S. would sell more Patriot missiles to Ukraine, Trump said, "Yeah, we might. We're looking at it." "They need them for defense. I don't want to see people killed. They're going to need them for defense. They're amazingly effective," Trump said. "They're going to need something because they're being hit pretty hard." Asked if he threatened Putin with sanctions personally, Trump said, "We talk about sanctions a lot, yeah." "I would say he's not thrilled with it," Trump said. "He's been able to handle sanctions, but these are pretty biting sanctions. No, we talk about sanctions a lot. And he understands that it may be coming, and, you, know, he's a professional." The U.S. has paused some shipments of military aid to Ukraine, including crucial air defense missiles, out of concern for U.S. stockpiles following the Israel-Iran conflict. Ukraine's main European backers are considering how they can help pick up the slack. Zelenskyy says plans are afoot to build up Ukraine's domestic arms industry, but scaling up will take time. Trump said he had also discussed Ukraine's request for Patriot missiles with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, but they have not yet made a decision. "No, we did talk about it, though, and he feels, you know, they have to be protected. He's a strong guy, and smart, very smart man," Trump said of Merz. Trump had said early Friday that he was "very disappointed" by his phone call with Putin, adding: "I don't think he's looking to stop, and that's too bad." Putin's aide, Yuri Ushakov, released a summary of what he said was a nearly hour-long conversation between Trump and Russia's leader. It said Putin told Trump that Russia would "not back down from its goals" regarding the Ukraine war. "Naturally, the issues surrounding Ukraine were also discussed. Donald Trump has once again raised the issue of ending the hostilities as soon as possible. In turn, Vladimir Putin noted that we still continued the search for a political, negotiated solution to the conflict," Moscow's readout said. "He also noted Russia was willing to pursue negotiations. Additionally, the President of Russia said that Russia would strive to achieve its goals, namely the elimination of the well-known root causes that led to the current state of affairs, the bitter confrontation that we are seeing now. Russia will not back down from these goals." Russia has been stepping up its long-range attacks on Ukraine. Waves of drones and missiles targeted Kyiv overnight Thursday into Friday in the largest aerial assault since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began. Ukraine said it struck a Russian air base on Saturday, while Russia's stepped-up bombing campaign has dashed hopes for a breakthrough in efforts to end the more than three-year-old war. Ukraine's military General Staff said that Ukrainian forces had struck the Borisoglebsk air base in Russia's Voronezh region, describing it as the home base of Russia's Su-34, Su-35S and Su-30SM fighter jets.
The Standard
03-07-2025
- Politics
- The Standard
Trump and Zelenskiy to discuss pause of US arms deliveries in call, FT reports
Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy meet at Trump Tower in New York City, U.S., September 27, 2024. REUTERS/Shannon Stapleton/File Photo
Reuters
26-05-2025
- Business
- Reuters
Breaking ground: U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal ratified in Ukraine, paving the way for reconstruction
May 22, 2025 - On May 8, the Ukrainian parliament voted to ratify the landmark mineral deal with the United States, marking a significant step in the relationship between the two nations and potentially U.S.-Ukraine reconstruction efforts. This agreement aims to align and entwine the economic incentives of Ukraine and the United States, while bolstering Ukraine's security and economic recovery by leveraging its natural resources and utilizing U.S. mineral extraction technologies. The ratification sets the stage for substantial investments in infrastructure and development. As Ukraine looks for ways to strengthen its ability to fend off military aggression and navigates the complexities of rebuilding, this deal could be a cornerstone in revitalizing its economy and fostering long-term stability. This article will address the legal framework, key details and issues that are still in development. A. Mining the details: unpacking the deal's mechanics The document ratified this month is a framework agreement between the United States and Ukraine. The framework agreement contemplates a "limited partnership agreement," (the "LPA") the draft text of which has not been officially disclosed, that will be entered into by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (the "DFC") and the Ukrainian Agency on Support Public-Private Partnership (the "PPP Agency"). It is anticipated that the negotiation and signing of two technical accords under this framework agreement will occur over the coming month. The DFC, established in 2019 through the Better Utilization of Investments Leading to Development (BUILD) Act of 2018, is the United States' development finance agency. The DFC's mission is to partner with the private sector to finance solutions to critical challenges in developing countries, thereby advancing U.S. foreign policy and economic interests abroad. The PPP Agency, established in 2018, is the Ukrainian government body charged with promoting and implementing PPPs whose track record includes the execution of two major seaport concession projects Olvia and Kherson in 2020. Ukraine will initially contribute to the fund rights to 50% of the revenue received from (i) new minerals and hydrocarbon licenses and (ii) licenses that, although awarded, have not yet been industrially exploited. The framework agreement covers 55 minerals, oil, natural gas and such other minerals and hydrocarbons as DFC and the PPP Agency may agree in the future. The United States will have counted towards its capital contributions the value of the military aid that it provides to Ukraine starting from the date on which the framework agreement becomes effective. The new fund will invest in infrastructure projects in Ukraine. As governmental authorities in Ukraine issue new licenses, production sharing agreements (PSAs) and concessions to develop resources, they must require that the investors that were awarded mining or concession rights make available to the new fund the opportunity to participate in capital raises for the projects. Further, the investors cannot grant to any third party materially more favorable financial or economic terms for a substantially similar investment opportunity as that offered to the new fund. The United States also receives the right to negotiate offtake arrangements on market-based commercial terms with the holders of the newly issued licenses. The licenses will additionally (i) require their holders to refrain, for a specified period and under conditions to be outlined in the forthcoming LPA, from offering materially more favorable terms for offtake of a substantially similar quality or quantity of product to any persons other than DFC or its designees and (ii) contain restrictions on the persons with whom offtake arrangements can be entered into. B. Unearthing unknowns: issues to develop As the U.S.-Ukraine mineral deal moves forward, several critical issues remain to be addressed. These uncertainties will shape the effectiveness and impact of the framework agreement, raising important questions about its implementation and long-term benefits. Fund governance structure: Despite the new fund being described as a limited partnership, there is no mention of a general partner, a person typically responsible for management of the limited partnership and exposed to unlimited liability, in the framework agreement. Nonetheless, Ukrainian officials have stated that they expect a general partner to be hired. Who such person will be is to be seen. As is the exact contour of such person's role and relationship with the six-member board described by the White House on May 1, 2025, which is to be comprised of three Ukrainian and three American directors. The exact nature of the entity (e.g., supranational organization vs. Delaware limited liability company or limited partnership) is to be seen as is how, if at all, the fund will address deadlock risk in decision making. It is clear though that it will not follow the trust fund management model utilized by the World Bank's multi-donor Ukraine Relief, Recovery, Reconstruction and Reform Trust Fund, which combines donor grants within a trust managed by the Bank, or the European Union's "EU for Ukraine Fund", operating as a trust fund administered by the European Investment Bank. Cash for investment: Large amounts of cash will be necessary to develop Ukraine's mineral resources and ultimately to make the new fund successful. While some mineral extraction, like Titanium, is already occurring in Ukraine, much of the rare earth minerals discussed is not. Mining consultants estimate that a country's mining sector can take 10 to 20 years to establish and that it costs approximately US$2 billion to reach an operational stage for a single rare earth minerals mine. Another immediate hurdle is that much of Ukraine's infrastructure has suffered under the war, Ukraine's mineral reserves require further mapping and confirmation as its current geological information is non-comprehensive and outdated and many deposits may be in occupied territory. Because the revenue rights being contributed by Ukraine are only theoretical as a result of their derivation from new and unexploited licenses, an additional source of funds will be necessary to jump start projects, build infrastructure to transport natural resources and create the virtuous cycle of reinvestment contemplated under the new fund. Ukrainian officials have voiced an expectation that the United States will provide some startup capital for the new fund. Existing rights holders: While it remains to be seen how LPA and any technical accords will frame Ukraine's obligations to ensure the fund's capital raising participation and product offtake rights under the future license awards, there are also questions about whether it will ultimately be extended to reach the existing minerals projects that have not progressed to the actual mining stage and if not so extended how development of such existing projects will be incentivized. As the resources covered by most existing PSAs are in close proximity to the frontline, they remain dormant in anticipation of a peace agreement. There also are multiple idle non-PSA mining licenses. To date, there has been no official public report stating the exact number of such projects. The minerals deal could serve as a catalyst to withdraw and re-tender these idle non-PSA licenses, which may be withdrawn if no exploitation has commenced within six or 12 months following the award date depending on the type of minerals covered by license, and though, less likely, PSAs which generally contain more robust investor protections. Following the vote to ratify the framework agreement, Mr Fedir Venislavskyi, MP and Member of Parliamentary Committee on National Security, Defense and Intelligence, stated that large-scale audits of the dormant licenses should occur to identify the steps to be taken to tackle the issue. If the deal were to be extended to reach these dormant mining projects, the Ukrainian Parliament would have to put in place new legislation. Presently there is no clear mechanism to incorporate the abovementioned fund's rights into the already awarded mining licenses and PSAs. Unless amicably agreed with existing PSA investors, extension of the deal's arrangements beyond newly issued PSAs could be particularly challenging because such existing PSA investors enjoy legislative stability protections against adverse changes in laws (except where such changes concern environmental protection, defense, national security or public safety). If the new fund's reach is not extended to touch these dormant mining projects, then additional questions are raised about how development of these projects will be propelled forward to advance Ukraine's rebuilding and ultimately the success of the new fund which will share in 50% of the revenues ultimately generated by such projects. Role of the private sector: Given the need for funds for investment and desire for strategic alignment through economic investment, it would be natural for there to be an enhanced role for U.S. private sector investment. The framework agreement does not provide clues as to how U.S. companies will participate in reconstruction efforts. Possible avenues that the United States and Ukraine may pursue include: •fast tracking the issuance of Ukrainian mineral and hydrocarbon licenses to entities with significant U.S. investment; •permitting U.S. companies to bid for projects with the new fund offering financing or guarantees; •the new fund favoring investments in projects with U.S. co-investors; and •the DFC and PPP Agency issuing bonds financed by U.S. investors. Ukrainian officials have already noted their expectation that the new fund will look for investors in projects offered to the fund — including U.S. companies. As Ukraine embarks on this transformative journey, the ratified mineral deal with the United States offers a promising path forward. While challenges remain, the success of this framework agreement could shape the future of both nations and set a precedent for global reconstruction efforts.
