**Ukraine to Hold Technical Consultations with US on Minerals Deal**
In a significant development, Ukraine is set to begin technical consultations with the United States on the minerals agreement from April 11. This announcement was made by Deputy Prime Minister for European and Euro-Atlantic Integration and Justice Minister Olha Stefanishyna at a press conference in Brussels.
The negotiations come after President Volodymyr Zelensky said that Ukraine is open to signing the agreement, provided it ensures equal partnership and respects Ukrainian sovereignty. However, the latest version of the deal has raised concerns about granting the United States extensive control over Ukraine’s natural resources through a joint investment fund.
**Background on the Minerals Agreement**
The minerals agreement has been a contentious issue between Ukraine and the US since President Zelensky’s visit to Washington in February. A framework version of the agreement was scheduled to be signed during his visit, but it collapsed after a tense Oval Office dispute involving Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Zelensky himself.
The agreement has been framed by the Trump administration as vital to Ukraine’s path to peace. However, critics argue that it offers no specific security commitments in return for access to strategic resources.
**Other Developments**
In other news, Moscow released a US-Russian dual national accused of treason for allegedly raising money for the Ukrainian military. The move comes amid growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Foreign Ministry has also denounced the religious persecution carried out by Russia in occupied Ukrainian territories, accusing Moscow of killing dozens of clergy members and damaging hundreds of churches.
**Military Developments**
In a separate development, Ukrainian air defenses shot down 85 of the 145 attack and decoy drones launched by Russia overnight. The Air Force reported that 49 drones disappeared from radars without causing damage.
President Zelensky has warned that Russian forces will attempt to launch more attacks in the Kharkiv and Sumy directions. He emphasized the need for a ceasefire with clear time limits to put pressure on Russia and prevent future aggression.
**Peacekeeping Mission**
Ukrainian, French, and British military officials have been discussing Ukraine’s requirements for a potential peacekeeping mission. Ukraine aims to secure peacekeepers to prevent future Russian aggression.
**EU Response**
The European Union has introduced Autonomous Trade Measures to provide temporary tariff-free and quota-free access for Ukrainian goods. The move is seen as a way to support Ukraine’s economy amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
**Romania-Russia Diplomatic Row**
In a separate development, two Romanian diplomats were ordered to leave Russia on April 9 in response to the expulsion of Russian diplomats from Romania in March.
As tensions continue to rise between Ukraine and Russia, it remains to be seen how these developments will play out. The technical consultations between Ukraine and the US on the minerals agreement are set to begin on April 11, and all eyes will be on the outcome of these talks.