Overview

• The US and Ukraine signed a raw materials agreement granting the US privileged access to Ukrainian resources, seen as a symbolic step toward renewed engagement.
• Sigmar Gabriel praised the deal as a foreign policy success for Ukraine but emphasized Europe's need to align closely with the US for credible deterrence against Russia.
• Experts, including Nicole Deitelhoff and Rebecca Barth, questioned the deal's practical benefits, citing uncertainties about resource locations, exploitation feasibility, and investor participation.
• Vice President J.D. Vance faced backlash for comments disparaging European anti-Nazi veterans, with Gabriel condemning his remarks as disrespectful to US soldiers' sacrifices.
• Analysts highlighted Europe's struggle to define its strategic interests in Ukraine and its disunity on providing robust security guarantees.