UKRAINE: Ukraine Can't Accept Deal That Threatens Its EU Integration - Zelenskyy

Reuters reporting comments from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appearing to suggest that Kyiv considers a revised mineral sharing agreement proposed by the United States as insufficiently favourable to Ukraine's interests and has the potential to derail Kyiv's long-term plans for EU accession.

• Zelenskyy says, "Kyiv received draft of new minerals deal from US," noting that the revised deal is "entirely different" to a previous framework that Kyiv was prepared to sign.
• Zelenskyy says it is, "too early to comment on draft of new minerals deal" but "Ukraine can't accept any deal that threatens its EU integration."
• The New York Times reported a short time ago: "Officials in Kyiv say the country cannot possibly accept the proposal and that new negotiations would be needed. But they have not rejected it outright..."
• Euronews reports that the European Commission is studying the deal "to determine its compatibility with Ukraine's membership bid," noting that: "By giving American companies preferential treatment in Ukraine, the proposed minerals deal runs the risk of contradicting the EU's competition and single market rules..."
• Zelenskyy adds that, "there has been no communication from US on monitoring energy ceasefire so far," reiterating that "Ukraine has warned US that ceasefire won't work without monitoring."
• Zelenskyy further states that, "Ukraine won't recognise US military aid as loans." He also claims that Russian President Vladimir Putin is "afraid" of talks and says Kyiv is open to talks with any other representative from Russia."