**U.S. Treasury Secretary Claims Ukraine Minerals Deal Disrupted by Ukrainian Leadership**
The United States and Ukraine had a promising “win-win” partnership in the minerals deal, but it has been stalled due to the actions of Ukrainian leaders, according to U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Speaking in an interview with far-right commentator Tucker Carlson on April 4, Bessent said that the minerals deal was a genuine economic partnership between the two countries. “We don’t make any money unless they make money,” he emphasized, suggesting that Ukrainian leaders were holding back due to personal interests.
Bessent’s comments come as Ukraine has been trying to finalize a mineral agreement with the U.S. The deal was initially set to be signed on February 28 during President Volodymyr Zelensky’s visit to the White House. However, the two countries have faced challenges in finalizing the agreement.
The minerals deal aimed to establish a long-term economic partnership between Ukraine and the U.S., promoting peace and stability in the region. Bessent stated that the U.S. wanted to demonstrate its support for Ukraine through this economic partnership, which would also incentivize Russia to negotiate an end to its war against Ukraine.
Despite Bessent’s optimism about the deal, Ukrainian leaders have been criticized for failing to sign it on multiple occasions. Zelensky was previously expected to sign the agreement during his visit to Saudi Arabia, where he met with U.S. officials, but ultimately did not do so.
Bessent expressed frustration with Ukrainian leadership, stating that they “assumed a high-handed tone” and were not receiving good advice from their advisors. He claimed that Ukraine has been held back by kleptocracy aspects, which the U.S. can help address through its assistance and engineering of a peace deal.
The minerals deal is just one aspect of the complex diplomatic relationship between the U.S., Ukraine, and Russia. While Bessent emphasized that the deal would bring benefits to both countries, Ukrainian leaders have yet to sign it, casting doubts on the feasibility of this partnership.
**What’s Next?**
Bessent announced that a Ukrainian technical team is expected to arrive in the U.S. next week to discuss the mineral agreement. The Treasury Secretary expressed hope that the two countries can finalize the deal and return to their win-win situation.
However, it remains to be seen whether Ukrainian leaders will take the necessary steps to sign the minerals deal. If not, this partnership may never come to fruition, further complicating the already intricate web of diplomatic relationships in Eastern Europe.
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