Ukrainian President Investigates Leak of Controversial Resource Deal with US

The Ukrainian government is facing increased scrutiny following the leak of sensitive details regarding a proposed mineral resource agreement with the United States. In response, President Volodymyr Zelensky has instructed the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to conduct an investigation into the source of the leak, including the use of lie detector tests on individuals within various ministries.

This investigation comes after opposition member Yaroslav Schelesnyak publicly claimed to possess a copy of the draft agreement on March 26, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the negotiation process. According to reports, officials from several ministries have already undergone lie detector assessments, although the exact number of individuals involved has not been disclosed.

The draft agreement, which has been reviewed by various media outlets, proposes that the United States would gain a controlling interest in a supervisory board overseeing Ukrainian mineral projects. This arrangement would encompass all mineral resources in Ukraine, including oil, gas, and critical minerals, and prioritize new investments for American interests. However, it has drawn criticism for lacking adequate security guarantees for Ukraine, leading to significant discontent within the country.

During a press conference on March 28, Zelensky expressed his frustration regarding the premature release of the agreement's details, questioning how legislators were aware of its contents before he had even reviewed it. He emphasized the need for confidentiality in such critical negotiations, especially given the contentious nature of the discussions with the Trump administration, which aims to leverage Ukrainian infrastructure for the reimbursement of U.S. military aid.

U.S. President Donald Trump has reportedly accused Zelensky of attempting to withdraw from the deal and warned of severe repercussions if Ukraine does not sign soon. Scott Bessent, a former U.S. Treasury Secretary under Trump, has publicly stated that security guarantees are unnecessary, suggesting that U.S. investments would inherently mitigate Russian aggression--a view that has been met with skepticism in Kyiv.

As part of his efforts to identify the leak within his administration, Zelensky is employing lie detector tests. The reliability of such tests remains a topic of debate, as they are often deemed scientifically questionable yet are frequently used in various contexts, including law enforcement and military recruitment.

Critics of the proposed agreement have voiced concerns over potential conflicts of interest within the Ukrainian leadership. Bessent has suggested that the deal is being undermined by individuals in the Ukrainian government with vested interests, citing a previous instance where Zelensky allegedly halted the finalization of the contract at the White House.

A Ukrainian delegation is expected to travel to Washington soon to negotiate final terms. Zelensky has made it clear that any agreement that undermines Ukraine's aspirations for European Union integration will not be accepted. Additionally, he has rebuffed Trump's suggestion to treat U.S. military assistance as repayable loans.

The ongoing investigation into the leak reflects the urgency and sensitivity of the situation, as the relationship between Ukraine and the U.S. remains precarious amidst the backdrop of the ongoing conflict with Russia.