Ukraine should conduct an audit of all mineral deposits and return misappropriated assets to create opportunities for US involvement in the extraction of Ukrainian subsoil. About this stated Danylo Hetmantsev, head of the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Finance, Tax and Customs Policy.
“In order to grant a permit for subsoil use, one must have it. But it’s no secret that for 30 years, all permits for commercially interesting deposits have already been given to “respectable” people. That is, there is nothing or almost nothing to offer partners.” – the statement says.
Hetmantsev emphasized that the discussion of the involvement of the US in the extraction of Ukrainian minerals once again brought to the fore important topics that actually disappeared from the agenda even before the war due to the interests of individuals. In his opinion, the primary task is to audit all mineral deposits and return illegally appropriated resources to the state.
“And let’s say it bluntly: it must be resolved regardless of the interests of the United States or other partners. This is our business and the interest of the people.” Hetmantsev emphasized.
He cited the example of ex-minister Mykola Zlochevsky, who, despite fleeing the country, continues to receive significant income from Ukrainian deposits:
“Let’s take, for example, the famous and powerful underground miner Zlochevsky, who continues to receive significant income from Ukrainian deposits, cutting the warm waves of the Mediterranean Sea with the keel of his beautiful yacht Karianna – the heroine of several blockbusters from Ukrainian investigative journalists”.
Hetmantsev emphasized that after the deposits are returned, they can be transferred to foreign investors from partner countries on mutually beneficial terms, but without any benefits and with a guaranteed fair share of the value of extracted resources, which should preferably be processed in Ukraine.
