The talks on a minerals deal, presented to Kyiv on Feb 12 coincided with a bid by President Donald Trump to kick-start negotiations to end Russia's nearly three-year war in Ukraine. However, things are not so straightforward here.
As Washington negotiates with Kyiv to open up Ukraine's natural wealth to US investment, there is the issue on the fate of mineral deposits in areas captured by Russia. The minerals in Ukraine include rare earth varieties as well as titanium, uranium and lithium, among others.
Economic aspects aside, there are also security provisions that Kyiv needs from any deal. This is an unraveling story to be monitored in the coming weeks. More can be found here.