Ukrainian officials and CEOs are looking for ways to convince US President-elect Donald Trump that continuing aid to kyiv is in its interest and “not charity” but “a lucrative economic and geostrategic opportunity,” reports The Washington Post.
Ukraine hopes that by adopting Trump’s diplomatic approach – which includes offering American companies lucrative business opportunities – the new president will help defend itself against a Russian offensive.
Ukrainian industry expert Vladimir Vasiukwho advises the Ukrainian parliament on economic issues, calls for taking advantage of Trump’s “business approach” to international relations and closing natural resource deals with American companies.
The CEO of Naftogaz agrees with him Alexei Chernyshov.
“The Ukrainian gas market is the most profitable in the world. I am sure that American companies have a great future in Ukraine now, not tomorrow. “I think it would be great if they considered (the possibility of collaboration)… We’re talking about contracts worth millions of dollars immediately.” he said, adding that he would travel to the United States in the coming weeks to meet with business representatives.
Ukraine can also offer Americans lithium, necessary for the production of microchips and batteries for electric vehicles.
“Control of lithium is control of the economy of the future” — said Vasyuk, who estimates that the country’s reserves are enough to create 15 million batteries.
The founder of Tesla and SpaceX is interested in lithium Elon Muskwho received a position in the Trump administration, notes WP.
Access to Ukraine’s natural resources is one of the points of the “victory plan” Vladimir Zelenskywhich he presented to Trump in September during a trip to the United States. After winning the election, Trump said he would “very diligently” seek to end the Ukrainian conflict; made similar promises more than once during the election race, RBC recalls;
