Description: An intense debate between the 338 Ministers of Parliament (MPs) resulted in Ukraine ratifying the rare earth minerals agreement concluded with the US last week. Specific details haven’t been disclosed by either side citing concerns over political upheaval or compromising a future long – term strategic partnership. Ukraine’s political opposition insisted on including several amendments to the agreement which included the mineral reserves currently under Russian occupation, however, they eventually pushed the envelope on the ratification. The conclusion of the minerals deal comes at a crucial time in face of Moscow’s Victory Day Parade and after months of diplomatic uncertainties leaving Ukraine’s defensive capabilities in a precarious position. Current information regarding the agreement states that no security guarantees for Ukraine have been offered as expectations shifted towards increased arms supplies, logistical and intelligence support.
Impact: The long-awaited conclusion of the minerals deal between the US and Ukraine drives the war towards inconclusiveness while the deficiency of details regarding the contractual obligations raise concern over Ukraine’s future on the battlefronts. Labeled as an economic partnership between the countries, the agreement also has substantial strategic implications marking a mild shift in US foreign narrative towards Russia as a result of months of failed ceasefire negotiations. The agreement further marginalizes and isolates Europe as a factor in the Ukraine war, which further incites complications over reaching a terminal resolution to the war. The lack of Russian response or reaction to the agreement further indicates that nothing concrete has been achieved with it except for a diplomatic flare which signaled conditioned support by the US towards Ukraine. The agreement by itself substantially benefits the US in the long – term and offers limited wartime support for Ukraine which has agreed towards effectively trading the country’s most significant strategic assets for inconclusive and unclear terms of support.