Ukraine has entered into consultations with the United States regarding a proposed expanded agreement on mineral resources, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha announced on Tuesday.

The discussions mark a step forward in strengthening bilateral cooperation in the critical minerals sector.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Lithuanian Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys in Kyiv, Sybiha confirmed that Ukraine had received the draft agreement from Washington on March 28 and that the first round of discussions with U.S. officials had already taken place. While he refrained from disclosing specific details of the negotiations, he emphasized Ukraine’s commitment to ensuring that any agreement aligns with the national interests of both countries.

“The Ukrainian side is determined to conclude a document that would meet the mutual national interests of both the United States and Ukraine,” Sybiha stated. He further highlighted the deal’s potential to strengthen Ukraine’s security infrastructure and enhance cooperation with American counterparts.

The announcement follows Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s revelation on March 28 that Kyiv had officially received the U.S. draft agreement. Originally, the deal was set to be signed during Zelenskyy’s scheduled White House visit on February 28. However, the meeting was derailed due to a rare public dispute, in which U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance accused Zelenskyy of ingratitude for years of American assistance, leading to the collapse of the planned discussions.

Despite the previous diplomatic setback, Tuesday’s update signals renewed efforts by both nations to move forward with the mineral resources partnership. The agreement, if finalized, could carry significant economic and strategic implications amid ongoing regional tensions. As negotiations progress, further details on the agreement’s content and the timeline for its completion remain undisclosed. (ILKHA)