**Ukraine and US Talks on Natural Resources Deal Near Completion**
Talks between Ukraine and the United States on a deal to use Ukrainian natural resources are almost finished. Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna said on February 24 that “nearly all key details have been finalized.” She added that they want to complete the talks quickly so that both countries can sign the agreement.
The US has proposed using $500 billion of Ukraine’s natural resources, including critical minerals and oil. However, President Volodymyr Zelensky has refused to sign the deal because it does not provide security guarantees for Ukraine and because the sum is too high. He said Ukraine is not ready to “split 50/50 without knowing what’s ahead.”
The US initially proposed a 50% interest in Ukraine’s natural resources, including critical minerals, oil, and gas, as well as critical infrastructure and ports. However, Zelensky pointed out that the US wants to return future aid with an interest of 1:2, which he said is equivalent to 100% of the loan.
**International Support for Ukraine**
Meanwhile, the international community continues to show support for Ukraine. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced new military assistance, including infantry fighting vehicles and combat support vehicles. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen also announced a new payment of 3.5 billion euros ($3.7 billion) for Ukraine.
Local media reported a blast near the Russian consulate building in France on February 24. No casualties were reported.
**Russia’s Invasion**
The third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine was marked by a massive drone attack, with 185 Shahed-type attack drones and decoy drones deployed by Russia. Ukrainian air defenses shot down 113 drones over 12 oblasts, while 71 decoy drones were lost without causing damage.
Russia also launched airstrikes on February 24, killing at least 1,050 people. The US has imposed new sanctions on Russia’s “shadow fleet” of oil tankers, banks, aluminum imports, and other sectors. Australia and New Zealand have also introduced new sanctions on Russian individuals and entities.
**Ukraine Deal Must Not Be Seen as Appeasement**
Justin Trudeau warned that any Ukraine deal must not be seen as appeasement by Russian President Vladimir Putin, saying it could lead to future land grabs in eastern Europe and the Baltics. The US is reportedly nearing a peace agreement between Ukraine and Russia, but both sides will need to make territorial and economic concessions.
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