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US and Ukraine Sign Memorandum Paving Way for Controversial Mineral Deal
Ukraine and the United States have signed a preliminary memorandum of intent aimed at finalizing a far-reaching economic partnership and reconstruction investment fund focused on mineral exploitation. The document, seen by Euronews, marks a significant step toward what could be a landmark agreement shaping Ukraine’s post-war economic recovery.
The memorandum, signed on Thursday by Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, sets the stage for high-level negotiations in Washington between April 21 and 26. According to the document, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal will travel to Washington during that week to lend political backing to the final round of technical discussions.
The goal is to conclude talks by April 26 and sign the agreement shortly afterward. “Negotiating teams are expected to report on progress by April 26, 2025, with the aim of completing discussions by that date and signing as soon as possible,” the document reads.
The proposed agreement is not without controversy. It outlines the creation of a joint investment fund that would give the US considerable influence over Ukraine’s critical infrastructure and natural resources. The fund’s board would be made up of five members—three appointed by the US and two by Ukraine—effectively granting Washington veto power over major decisions.
Under the deal, Ukraine would be required to submit all major infrastructure and resource projects—including those involving roads, ports, railways, and mineral extraction—to the fund for approval. If rejected, Kyiv would be barred from offering the same projects to other countries under more favorable terms.
Furthermore, the US would receive all profits generated by the fund and a 4% annual return until the total military and financial assistance—estimated at €114 billion by the Kiel Institute for the World Economy—is repaid. This “payback” structure has been championed by former President Donald Trump, who remains a key figure in ongoing US foreign policy despite current tensions with Ukrainian leadership.
The agreement also notes potential legal conflicts with Ukraine’s EU accession obligations and international financial commitments. However, the US pledged not to interfere in those matters. “The United States respects Ukraine’s intention to avoid conflicts in the drafting of the agreement with Ukraine’s obligations under European Union accession,” the document states.
The deal comes amid growing tensions between the US and Ukraine. Relations have deteriorated since Trump initiated backchannel talks with Russian officials to end the war, reportedly excluding Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy from the process. A heated Oval Office meeting between Trump and Zelenskyy in February only deepened the rift.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio was in Paris this week to consult with European allies. Speaking to reporters Friday, Rubio warned that Washington could pull out of peace negotiations if no meaningful progress is achieved soon.
As talks in Washington approach, the proposed investment fund is expected to dominate headlines—and draw scrutiny over its implications for Ukraine’s sovereignty and economic independence.
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Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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White House Unveils “Media Hall of Shame” Portal as Attacks on Press Intensify
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Russia Launches Massive Overnight Barrage on Ukraine as Peace Talks With U.S. Continue
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