Greenpeace demands proper consultation, risk assessment and mitigation

Kyiv, 28.2.2025: Ukrainian President Zelenskyi is planning on signing a deal with US President Trump on 28th of February. They plan to agree on a joint fund that will be filled by income from exploring new resources such as minerals, oil and gas in Ukraine with the hope of long-term security commitments by the US for the war torn country. 

Greenpeace Ukraine strongly opposes exploiting natural resources without proper planning. Natalia Gozak, office director of Greenpeace Ukraine: “We fully understand and support all the efforts aiming to ensure just and long-term peace for Ukraine and do hope that this agreement could be helpful. But it’s important to ensure commitment for proper planning of the following steps. Otherwise the ‘deal’ could lead to extensive resource exploitation and potential massive nature destruction instead of an inclusive, green and just development of the region that is so urgently needed.” 


Exploring new resources such as oil and gas, minerals or rare earth still have various side effects on nature and people. The current technology used for example to extensively mine rare earth metals generates radioactive waste, air pollution, as well as highly toxic liquid waste which can leak into groundwater and water bodies around. There are reported cases of cancer and respiratory diseases in local populations living near rare earth metal mines that can be traced back to toxic waste, happening in China for example.   


Furthermore, Gozak demands: ”Such an agreement shouldn’t be made on this hasted US blackmail approach. We demand a commitment for proper environmental risk assessment, stakeholder involvement and planning mitigation of harmful externalities. And last but not least, all money from the expected fund used for reconstruction needs to be invested in green projects to build a sustainable and strong Ukraine.” Green energy will give Ukraine energy independence and, step by step, make the country less dependent on the support of international partners.

Media contact:
Daryna Rogachuk, Communications Manager at Greenpeace Ukraine [email protected], +389 63 598 2600