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By Shane Croucher
Senior Editor
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Ukraine's top trade official said President Volodymyr Zelensky has proposed a free trade agreement with the United States in a letter to President Donald Trump.
Taras Kachka, Ukraine's trade representative and deputy economic minister, revealed Zelensky's trade proposal at a conference in Kyiv on Tuesday, Interfax-Ukraine reported.
"Accordingly, this will be the next phase of our discussions," Kachka said.
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Newsweek reached out to the Office of the United States Trade Representative for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Kyiv seeks to deepen economic ties with the U.S. to guarantee its future security against further Russian aggression once a peace deal is agreed with Moscow. Ukraine has a deal on sharing mineral revenues with the U.S. so far.
These ties are less of a security guarantee than membership of NATO, which Ukraine initially sought, an ambition that motivated Russia's invasion. But they expand U.S. interests in Ukraine, acting as a potential deterrent to Russia and a tangible reason for Washington to continue defending Kyiv.
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What To Know
Kachka said Ukraine is "interested in FTAs with all G7 countries."
"We already have agreements with the United Kingdom, Canada, and the European Union. What we still need are the United States and Japan," Kachkas said.
He noted the establishment of the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund as a foundation for developing a free trade agreement with Washington.
"That's why I think the United States might find this interesting. But we shouldn't get ahead of ourselves—we are still at the very beginning of this journey," he said, per Interfax-Ukraine.
The Ukrainian presidential office said on Sunday that Zelensky had written a letter to Trump "with new proposals for cooperation in the military-industrial and trade spheres," though the release did not give further details.
Trump mentioned the potential for expanded trade in his readout of his call with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine's economy is upended by Russia's war, while the Russian economy is having to navigate punitive Western sanctions, forcing it to rely on its strategic partnership with China, which has made large-scale, but discounted, purchases of Russian oil.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump, Monday on Truth Social: "Russia wants to do largescale TRADE with the United States when this catastrophic 'bloodbath' is over, and I agree. There is a tremendous opportunity for Russia to create massive amounts of jobs and wealth. Its potential is UNLIMITED. Likewise, Ukraine can be a great beneficiary on Trade, in the process of rebuilding its Country."
What Happens Next
The White House has yet to respond to Zelensky's letter and proposal of a free trade agreement. Direct talks on peace between Ukraine and Russia are due to resume soon. Trump says peace will unlock trade opportunities for both countries.
Update 5/20/25, 10:28 a.m. ET: This article was updated with additional information.
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