Fact Check: "The U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal was signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 12, 2023."
What We Know
The claim states that President Volodymyr Zelensky signed the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal on May 12, 2023. However, the timeline of events surrounding this deal indicates that while Zelensky did sign the deal, it was not on the date claimed. According to the Kyiv Independent, the ratification of the U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement was completed on May 12, 2025, not 2023. The signing of the deal itself occurred earlier, in April 2025, as reported by the New York Times.
The minerals deal aims to enhance economic ties and establish a joint investment fund to facilitate the extraction of Ukraine's mineral resources, which are critical for various industries, including electric battery production. The deal was part of a broader effort to strengthen U.S.-Ukraine relations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Analysis
The assertion that Zelensky signed the deal on May 12, 2023, is misleading. The actual signing took place in April 2025, and the ratification was finalized on May 12, 2025. This distinction is crucial because it affects the interpretation of the timeline and the implications of the deal. The BBC and CSIS corroborate that the agreement was signed in April 2025, with subsequent discussions and preparations leading to its ratification in May.
The sources used in this analysis are credible and provide a detailed account of the events surrounding the minerals deal. The New York Times and BBC are reputable news organizations known for their thorough reporting, while the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) is a respected think tank that offers in-depth analysis on international relations and security issues.
Conclusion
The claim that "The U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal was signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 12, 2023," is False. The signing of the deal occurred in April 2025, and the ratification took place on May 12, 2025. This misrepresentation of the date is significant as it misleads the public regarding the timeline of U.S.-Ukraine relations and the strategic importance of the minerals deal.
