Kyiv session disrupted over heated debate on US mineral deal

    
• In Kyiv, during a parliamentary session, Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk decided to interrupt proceedings because members blocked the speaker's podium.
• Members were discussing a new version of the agreement with the USA, which involves the use of Ukrainian minerals, including oil and gas.
• Why is the agreement controversial? The new version extends the range of natural resources available to the USA and gives them priority in investment decisions.

During the session in Kyiv, Speaker of the Verkhovna Rada, Ruslan Stefanchuk, decided to halt proceedings. Members had blocked the podium, hindering further discussion.

Parliament members were debating a new version of the agreement with the USA concerning Ukrainian minerals.

The new 58-page agreement was presented during recent talks with the Ukrainian delegation. It broadens the range of natural resources that Americans can access, including oil and gas.

The USA would also have priority in making decisions about new infrastructure investments and could prevent the sale of resources to other countries.

Yaroslav Zhelezniak, a politician from the Ukrainian Voice party, noted that the session was interrupted during the presentation of the project details. "In short: a speech was given in the Rada regarding the insult to parliament and the new mineral agreement. The further meeting was interrupted. Therefore, dear journalist friends, today or for the next two weeks, bill no. 11533 will not appear in the records at all," he wrote on his Telegram channel.

Zhelezniak suggested that the mineral agreement project with the USA is currently the subject of intense negotiations, with changes anticipated.

"The American side immediately raised the stakes to the sky," he added. Any changes to the project would require consent from the United States.