The European Commission discussed its collaboration with Ukraine on resource extraction.

Previously, citing Séjourné, who is responsible for industrial strategy in the EU, several media outlets reported that the European Union, following the United States, is offering Ukraine an agreement regarding cooperation in the extraction of "critically important" minerals. In particular, during his visit to Kyiv, Séjourné mentioned that the EU is proposing a mutually beneficial partnership with Ukraine. "We will never demand an agreement that is not advantageous for both parties," Séjourné emphasized. He noted that Ukraine could supply the EU with 21 out of 30 minerals that are critical for the EU's industry.

A representative of the European Commission stated that Séjourné indeed discussed cooperation with colleagues in Kyiv, but only within the framework of existing agreements; there was no talk of a new deal.

Ukraine is in negotiations with the United States regarding the joint development of natural resources. These talks have been accompanied by a series of sharp statements at the highest levels. According to media reports, the United States proposed to Ukraine the establishment of a $500 billion fund, which would receive revenues from the sale of rare earth metals and natural resources extracted in Ukraine, with the fund being under U.S. control. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky refused to sign the proposed version of the deal, which displeased U.S. President Donald Trump. Negotiations continued. On Monday, Trump stated that they are close to completion and expressed readiness to sign the agreement during Zelensky's visit to the White House. However, it has not been officially reported that the agreement is ready for signing. Ukraine continues to insist that it must include security guarantees in the face of the Russian threat. According to Trump, he considers the mere existence of the agreement to be such a guarantee. Trump also believes that the agreement serves as a kind of compensation for the assistance the U.S. has provided to Ukraine in recent years. Kyiv disagrees with the assessments coming from Washington regarding the scale of that assistance.

Russian President Vladimir Putin also commented recently that Moscow is ready to cooperate with the U.S. in the extraction of rare earth metals, including, according to his words, in the territories of Ukraine occupied by Russia. There has been no reaction to his statements so far.

The text of the news has been modified in light of the clarifying statements from the European Commission representative.