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Memorandum of Intent Between Ukraine and the US on Minerals Deal
A memorandum of intent is set to be signed next week by Ukraine and the United States, which outlines plans for a collaborative investment fund related to minerals. This development has been reported by Luke Harding from The Guardian in Kyiv. The proposal also acknowledges the “significant financial and material support” provided by Washington to Kyiv since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
However, it remains unclear whether any profits derived from future investments will be allocated to repay the US for military assistance given during the Biden administration. Donald Trump has claimed that Ukraine owes the US a substantial amount, estimated at $300 billion. In contrast, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has asserted that military supplies were part of a Congress-approved grant rather than a loan, implying no repayment is necessary. He further stated that Ukraine is prepared to cover costs for subsequent military aid under Trump’s administration.
Casualties Reported from Russian Attack in Kharkiv
A recent Russian missile strike on Kharkiv resulted in one death and left 82 individuals injured, including six children, according to local officials. The assault occurred on Friday morning and caused significant damage to residential buildings, an educational facility, and commercial properties, as confirmed by emergency services and reported by Reuters.
President Zelenskyy described the attack as a grim start to the religious observance of Good Friday, stating, “This is how Russia began this Good Friday – with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, [and] Shaheds.” Footage from the scene captured emergency responders administering aid to those harmed in the blasts.
Eyewitness accounts illustrated the chaos that ensued, with residents recalling the traumatic moments following the explosion. One resident reported, “Everything went flying in all rooms, the windows shattered,” revealing the personal toll of the violence.
Moreover, Ukraine’s foreign minister indicated that four missiles were launched at Kharkiv, three of which were ballistic and utilized cluster munitions. Andriy Sybiha, a senior Ukrainian official, condemned the incident as indicative of Russia’s terror tactics, emphasizing the necessity of confronting such aggression with decisive action.
Despite a recent US-brokered moratorium on attacks targeting energy infrastructure, both nations have accused each other of violations, with Zelenskyy asserting that missile and drone strikes matched previous levels, just aimed at civilian targets instead.
In a separate but related instance, a drone strike in Sumy resulted in one death and additional injuries. Ukrainian authorities continue to highlight the ongoing danger to civilians amid fluctuating military tactics.
China Denies Supplying Lethal Weapons in Ukraine Conflict
Beijing has refuted allegations of providing lethal weapons to any parties involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This response was triggered by comments from President Zelenskyy regarding suspected arms supplies from China to Russia.
Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, “The Chinese side has never provided lethal weapons to any party in the conflict, and strictly controls dual-use items.” Zelenskyy alluded to intelligence suggesting a significant number of Chinese nationals were present in support of Russia’s military efforts, a claim that has not been detailed further by Ukrainian officials.
While China maintains a stance of neutrality and calls for peaceful resolution, concerns continue to arise regarding its relationship with Russia and the implications of ongoing military collaboration.
International Diplomacy Efforts in London
Next week, senior diplomats from the US, Europe, and Ukraine are scheduled to convene in London to continue discussions following fruitful negotiations held recently in Paris. These conversations seek to establish a pathway toward a ceasefire amid ongoing violence precipitated by the three-year conflict that began with Russia’s invasion.
French officials characterized the Paris talks as having initiated a “positive process,” involving key leaders from various nations including the US secretary of state and representatives from European countries. Discussions included potential security guarantees and avenues to achieve a lasting peace for Ukraine, with French President Emmanuel Macron emphasizing the desire for a robust and sustainable resolution.
Overall, these diplomatic efforts continue to reflect an urgent search for a viable path toward reducing hostilities while addressing the complex realities on the ground.
US’s Stance on Peace Negotiations
In a related context, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio remarked that if progress towards a Russia-Ukraine peace deal does not materialize promptly, the US may reconsider its involvement in negotiations. During meetings in Paris, Rubio underscored the need for clear indications that a deal is achievable.
He noted, “We need to determine very quickly now … whether or not this is doable in the next few weeks.” While emphasizing Trump’s ongoing interest in securing a peace agreement, Rubio indicated that the administration is prepared to shift focus to other priorities if substantial progress is not made.
These developments come amid mounting pressure for a resolution while both military operations and international diplomatic efforts continue to evolve in the wake of sustained conflict.
Source
www.theguardian.com