Trump administration demands control over Ukraine economy

NEW YORK, Mar 29 (TASS/BBC): The administration of US President Donald Trump insists on Ukraine signing an agreement giving Washington control over key economic projects, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing a draft document sent to Kiev.

In particular, the US seeks the right to be the first to participate in Ukraine's infrastructure projects and mining programs, including rare-earth metals and construction of ports. The fund, managed primarily by US representatives, will channel the profits to pay off the cost of military aid provided by Washington to Kiev.

According to the newspaper, the Ukrainian authorities fear that the terms of the agreement will limit their ability to attract other investors and rebuild infrastructure. Analysts note that the new US demands could exacerbate tensions in bilateral relations, especially after the recent conflict between Trump and Vladimir Zelensky.

If the agreement is signed, Ukraine will have 45 days to submit a list of projects for consideration by the fund.

The Daily Telegraph reported on March 27 that under the latest version of the deal, the United States would control half of Ukraine's oil and gas reserves, its metals and much of its infrastructure, including railways, ports, pipelines and refineries, through a joint investment fund.

Three members of the fund's supervisory board will be appointed by Washington. In addition, the US plans to receive all profits until Ukraine pays them at least $100 billion in compensation for military aid, with a 4% surcharge. Kiev will start receiving 50% of the profits only after the debt is repaid.

The newspaper added that the new fund will be registered in the state of Delaware, but it will operate under the jurisdiction of New York. Under the terms of the deal, the US will have the right to veto the sale of Ukrainian resources to third countries and the ability to check the accounts of any Ukrainian agency.

Four killed in mass Russian

drone attack on Ukraine

Four people have been killed and another 21 injured in a mass Russian drone attack on the central Ukrainian city of Dnipro, the area's regional head has said.

Serhiy Lysak said a restaurant complex and several residential buildings were ablaze after the attack late on Friday. He added that "the enemy sent more than 20 drones" to the city, and that "most of them were shot down".

Images and videos later emerged showing firefighters tackling large fires that had engulfed the buildings that were struck, and smashed glass and other debris scattered on the city streets.

Overnight, air sirens were heard sounding in several other Ukrainian regions, including the capital, Kyiv. It was not immediately clear whether there were any casualties.

Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the military administration in Zelensky's home city Kryvyi Rih, also confirmed on Telegram that there was a ballistic missile attack on the central city on Saturday morning, and that so far five people had been wounded.