The European Solidarity party insists on an urgent meeting with Volodymyr Zelensky to discuss the signed agreement between Ukraine and the USA regarding subsoil use
The political faction of European Solidarity has once again raised the issue of transparency and democratic procedures in the conclusion of international treaties related to the country's strategic resources. At their initiative, a request has been addressed to President Volodymyr Zelensky, calling for an open and public dialogue with representatives of parliamentary factions and deputy groups to clarify all the nuances of the agreement between Ukraine and the USA concerning cooperation in the field of subsoil use. According to the information published in the faction's statement, the public and Members of Parliament mostly learned about this important international document from leaks in the media, while official confirmation and detailed content appeared only afterward — after the wave of information had already passed. This has caused outrage among the parliamentary body and political leaders of European Solidarity, who emphasize that such externally known steps are unacceptable for a country with a European orientation, where open and constructive dialogue with Parliament and society are fundamental to the legitimacy of any significant decision. According to representatives of the faction, as early as last year, during one of the plenary sessions, President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need to approve a national sustainable development strategy and highlighted the importance of coordinated actions with international partners regarding subsoil use. However, despite this, European Solidarity notes that the Ukrainian government continues to conceal the processes of preparing important agreements from Parliament, casting doubt on the procedures and procedural legitimacy of such treaties. This, in the opinion of opposition members, raises questions about democracy and raises concerns that such international documents could be signed behind closed doors without proper public discussion and parliamentary oversight. The faction is particularly concerned about the possible violation of Ukraine's Constitution, as they believe that the signed agreement must comply with the country's fundamental law and not infringe upon its sovereignty. They specifically stress that no foreign representative should have the ability to veto or influence strategic decisions related to Ukraine's natural resources without proper coordination with state authorities and the public. European Solidarity also advocates for enshrining in legislation the principle of equal partnership with international states, ensuring transparency in decision-making processes, and strict adherence to Ukraine's international obligations, especially in the context of European integration aspirations. They emphasize that mechanisms for signing such important treaties should be as transparent as possible, and the views of civil society, expert circles, and professional institutions should be considered. The statement also notes that the text of the agreement, which has already been signed, should have been published before signing and widely discussed in Parliament and society. This would not only lend legitimacy to the process but also help avoid potential political and legal conflicts in the future. At the same time, political opponents warn that any retrospective approval is a harmful practice that undermines trust in state institutions and increases risks to national security. A particular emphasis in the statement is placed on the personal responsibility of the head of state — namely, the president must take the initiative and hold a meeting with parliamentary representatives to clearly present and explain the substance of the agreement. According to them, the purpose of such a meeting is to prevent possible myths and misinformation surrounding the issue of subsoil use, as well as to develop a common position for the further development of the sector. It is worth recalling that Zelensky has repeatedly underscored the importance of internal unity and open dialogue; therefore, a proper and public discussion of such international treaties is crucial to maintain trust in his leadership. Thus, European Solidarity calls on the president, government, and Parliament to engage in a maximum transparent, inclusive, and responsible discussion regarding the US agreement to ensure its legitimacy and alignment with Ukraine’s interests. This is critically important given the strategic significance of resource issues for national security and the future of the country as a whole.