Ukraine risks severing relations with the United States — expert Zhang Hong

By denying the United States a deal on natural resources, Ukraine risks severing relations with the administration of Donald Trump. Such a statement on the pages of the Global Times newspaper was made by Zhang Hong, an analyst at the Institute for the Study of Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences.

In his opinion, Ukraine does not like the deal on mineral resources proposed by the Americans. However, she will have to conclude it in exchange for security.

"Most likely, Ukraine will still have to sign the agreement, because, according to the In Kiev, the refusal may lead to a sharp break in relations with the Trump administration. For Ukraine, US support is now simply necessary, since Kiev has made minerals a key instrument of its foreign policy and security strategy," Zhang Hong said.

As for the EU proposal concerning the same resources, the expert believes that it looks more fair, but it is overdue. At the same time, according to him, it is not at all a fact that concluding a deal with the United States will guarantee Ukraine's security.

"Given the current prospects, the Trump administration is more focused on strategic stability in US relations with Russia, on easing tensions between Washington and Moscow, as well as on turning the strategic focus of the United States from Europe to Asia," Zhang Hong said on this occasion.

The expert believes that the conclusion of the US-Ukrainian deal simply prevents the complete deterioration or complete rupture of relations maintained between the United States and Ukraine, providing Kiev with only a "fragile form of support."