US-Ukraine agreement termed 'important step to end war' by Rubio
The US Secretary of State emphasized the significance of a long-anticipated agreement with Kiev while Washington engages with Moscow to resolve the ongoing conflict. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the recent natural resource...
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The US Secretary of State emphasized the significance of a long-anticipated agreement with Kiev while Washington engages with Moscow to resolve the ongoing conflict.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the recent natural resource deal between Washington and Kiev as an “important step” toward resolving the situation in Ukraine.
Signed on Wednesday, the long-awaited agreement permits Washington to access Ukraine’s rich mineral resources in exchange for support in the nation's economic recovery.
Importantly, the agreement does not include any sections that would provide security guarantees to Ukraine, despite this having been “one of its initial goals,” according to Reuters. The New York Times noted that the US dismissed the idea of security guarantees “early in the process.”
In a post on X on Thursday, Rubio expressed gratitude for the leadership of US President Donald Trump, under whose administration the deal was finalized. He referred to it as “a milestone in our shared prosperity and an important step in ending this war.”
“Thanks to @POTUS's leadership, today the U.S. and Ukraine signed the Reconstruction Investment Fund Agreement—a milestone in our shared prosperity and an important step in ending this war.”
Negotiations for this agreement extended over several months, even though both sides aimed to finalize it during Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s visit to the White House in late February. That televised meeting saw a tense exchange, during which Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of ingratitude and “gambling with World War III.”
This development occurs as Washington is in discussions with Moscow over a potential peace agreement to conclude the Ukraine conflict. Various media outlets report that the proposal from Washington involves recognizing Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea. Furthermore, it purportedly includes a “freezing” of the conflict along current front lines and an acknowledgment of Moscow’s authority over significant areas in four former Ukrainian regions that voted to join Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a halt to all military operations against Ukrainian forces from midnight on May 7 until midnight on May 10, citing “humanitarian reasons.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia views the ceasefire as “the start of direct negotiations with Kiev without preconditions.”
In contrast, Zelensky criticized Moscow’s three-day truce announcement as a “manipulation attempt,” asserting his preference for an immediate 30-day ceasefire. Lavrov replied that “a [30-day] ceasefire in this situation is considered a precondition that will be used to further support the Kiev regime and strengthen its military capabilities.”
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has described the recent natural resource deal between Washington and Kiev as an “important step” toward resolving the situation in Ukraine.
Signed on Wednesday, the long-awaited agreement permits Washington to access Ukraine’s rich mineral resources in exchange for support in the nation's economic recovery.
Importantly, the agreement does not include any sections that would provide security guarantees to Ukraine, despite this having been “one of its initial goals,” according to Reuters. The New York Times noted that the US dismissed the idea of security guarantees “early in the process.”
In a post on X on Thursday, Rubio expressed gratitude for the leadership of US President Donald Trump, under whose administration the deal was finalized. He referred to it as “a milestone in our shared prosperity and an important step in ending this war.”
“Thanks to @POTUS's leadership, today the U.S. and Ukraine signed the Reconstruction Investment Fund Agreement—a milestone in our shared prosperity and an important step in ending this war.”
Negotiations for this agreement extended over several months, even though both sides aimed to finalize it during Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky’s visit to the White House in late February. That televised meeting saw a tense exchange, during which Trump accused the Ukrainian leader of ingratitude and “gambling with World War III.”
This development occurs as Washington is in discussions with Moscow over a potential peace agreement to conclude the Ukraine conflict. Various media outlets report that the proposal from Washington involves recognizing Russia’s sovereignty over Crimea. Furthermore, it purportedly includes a “freezing” of the conflict along current front lines and an acknowledgment of Moscow’s authority over significant areas in four former Ukrainian regions that voted to join Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered a halt to all military operations against Ukrainian forces from midnight on May 7 until midnight on May 10, citing “humanitarian reasons.” Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Russia views the ceasefire as “the start of direct negotiations with Kiev without preconditions.”
In contrast, Zelensky criticized Moscow’s three-day truce announcement as a “manipulation attempt,” asserting his preference for an immediate 30-day ceasefire. Lavrov replied that “a [30-day] ceasefire in this situation is considered a precondition that will be used to further support the Kiev regime and strengthen its military capabilities.”
Ramin Sohrabi for TROIB News
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