Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson claims a significant minerals agreement between the US and Ukraine is imminent, but questions arise over the actual commitment and support for Ukraine’s sovereignty.
Boris Johnson, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, recently announced that the United States and Ukraine are “very close” to finalising a significant minerals agreement aimed at assuring future security for Ukraine. During his visit to Kyiv, which coincided with the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Johnson exuded optimism despite the complex nature of the ongoing negotiations.
In a media interview, he stated, “I believe that we’re very close to getting this minerals agreement signed between the United States and Ukraine.” This deal is framed as not just a commitment to future financing for Ukraine but also a guarantee for a “free, sovereign and secure Ukraine.” However, such a rosy depiction is bewildering given the political realities emerging since the recent UK general election.
The proposed agreement focuses on Ukraine’s rich resources, particularly rare earth minerals, in exchange for security assurances from the U.S. While Johnson makes grand claims about undermining Vladimir Putin’s ambitions, a closer analysis reveals serious concerns about the actual commitment levels from the U.S. side—news that should be alarming to anyone who values genuine support for Ukraine without strings attached.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly voiced dissatisfaction with the U.S. engagement, advocating for a more substantial pact as the country faces ongoing threats from Russia. Trump’s insistence that Ukraine repay military assistance further complicates the situation, raising questions over the reliability of U.S. support. Such demands could cripple future generations with debt, a reality that should not be glossed over in Johnson’s utopian narrative.
While Johnson pushes forward with promises, Zelensky’s readiness to share resources highlights the dire need for U.S. intervention to encourage a halt to Russian aggression, yet it seems lost in the midst of political theatre. It is important to question how sincere and sustainable these negotiations truly are, especially as Zelensky’s warnings against long-term agreements weigh heavily on the future of Ukraine’s sovereignty.
On Good Morning Britain, Johnson tackled the intricate dynamics of negotiating with Trump, hinting that political leaders must “keep knocking the ball back over the net,” a rather inadequate strategy for such high-stakes discussions. This approach is simply not enough for the pressing needs of Ukraine, and does little to instil confidence among UK citizens who see the need for decisive and unwavering support for an ally in distress.
Meanwhile, new Labour Prime Minister Kier Starmer is preparing to discuss sanctions against Russian officials with European leaders. While Starmer’s actions may appear supportive, they must be met with scrutiny. The fragmented and wavering U.S. policy casts a long shadow over any prospects for meaningful assistance to Ukraine. The inadequacies of the current Labour administration’s approach to international threats are becoming increasingly apparent, leaving many to question whether they can truly stand up to tyranny abroad.
As the global community keeps a close watch on these developments, it becomes clearer that optimistic rhetoric will not suffice; people deserve to know what concrete actions will be taken to safeguard Ukraine’s future, rather than abstract commitments that may dissolve under political pressure.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.csis.org/analysis/assessing-viability-us-ukraine-minerals-deal – This article discusses the proposed U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, which involves Ukraine sharing its critical minerals in exchange for U.S. support, highlighting the complexities and challenges in the negotiations.
- https://www.axios.com/2025/02/20/us-ukraine-rare-earth-minerals-agreement – This article provides details on the ongoing discussions between the U.S. and Ukraine over a minerals agreement, including the rejection of initial drafts and the push for an improved deal.
- https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64644493 – This BBC article covers Boris Johnson’s visit to Kyiv and his optimism about the U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement, providing context on the political climate surrounding these negotiations.
- https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/ukraine-crisis-2023-02-24/ – Reuters provides updates on the Ukraine crisis, including the role of international leaders like Boris Johnson in supporting Ukraine and the challenges faced in negotiations with the U.S.
- https://www.politico.eu/article/ukraine-russia-war-uk-us-support/ – This Politico article discusses the broader context of U.S. and UK support for Ukraine, highlighting the political dynamics and challenges in providing consistent aid.
- https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/24/ukraine-russia-conflict-latest-updates – Al Jazeera provides ongoing coverage of the Ukraine-Russia conflict, including updates on international diplomatic efforts and the impact of political developments on Ukraine’s security.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative references recent political events and ongoing negotiations, indicating it is relatively current. However, without specific dates for the negotiations or announcements, it’s difficult to determine if the information is entirely up-to-date.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
The quote from Boris Johnson appears to be original to this context, but without further verification, it’s unclear if it’s the first instance of its use. The quote about ‘keeping knocking the ball back over the net’ seems to lack a clear original source.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from a well-known publication, which generally enhances reliability. However, the political analysis and interpretation of events may introduce bias or subjective perspectives.
Plausability check
Score:
8
Notes:
The claims about negotiations and political dynamics are plausible given the current geopolitical situation. However, the narrative’s critical tone towards certain political figures and policies may affect its objectivity.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): OPEN
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): MEDIUM
Summary:
The narrative is generally plausible and current, but lacks specific dates and sources for some claims. The quotes seem original but require further verification. The reliability of the narrative is supported by its origin from a reputable publication, though subjective interpretations are present.
