Russia worries about a U.S. tilt toward Ukraine after minerals deal

Concerns are growing in Moscow that Russia could lose its leverage in negotiations with the United States over the war in Ukraine after Kiev and Washington signed an economic partnership agreement that gives the United States first right to Ukraine's mineral resources, The Washington Post (WP) reported. While President Donald Trump seemed to favor Russia after the new US administration took office, Moscow fears that the stance has now changed.

There is growing concern among the Russian elite that Russia may lose the upper hand in negotiations with the United States over the war in Ukraine, as Kiev and Washington signed a deal on minerals the day before.

Russia worries about a U.S. tilt toward Ukraine after minerals deal

Concern is growing in Moscow that Russia could lose its edge in talks with the United States over the Ukraine war now that Kyiv has finally signed an economic partnership agreement giving Washington preferential access to future Ukrainian mineral deals.

Great power interest in Central Asia putting Uzbekistan in the spotlight

In recent times, Central Asia’s most populous nation has become the centre of attention for great powers, underscored by high level diplomatic contacts with the United States, the hosting of a regional summit with the leadership of the European Union and a high profile visit by hundreds of Russian officials and executives who participated in a trade fair in Tashkent. Western interest centres on Uzbekistan’s abundant reserves of critical minerals…

“It is obvious that relations between Washington and Kiev are much more stable and predictable than relations between Washington and Moscow, despite all attempts by Russian negotiators to pull this diplomatic blanket over themselves,” the journalist believes

What is behind the critical voices from Russia regarding the minerals agreement? According to analysts, Russia is not at all happy about the signing of the agreement between the US and Ukraine.