US and Ukraine sign mineral resources agreement

The United States and Ukraine have finally signed a groundbreaking deal to establish the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, marking a significant milestone in their partnership. This agreement grants the U.S. access to Ukrainian rare earth minerals, a move that has been long-awaited by both sides.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent expressed the importance of this agreement in a press release, emphasizing that it sends a clear message to Russia about the Trump Administration’s commitment to supporting a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine in the long term. Bessent highlighted President Trump’s vision for a partnership between the American and Ukrainian people to promote lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine, ensuring that those who supported the Russian war machine will not benefit from the country’s reconstruction.

Ukrainian Minister of the Economy Yulia Svyrydenko also shared her thoughts on the collaboration with the United States, stating that the creation of the Fund will attract global investment into Ukraine, paving the way for economic growth and development.

In a video detailing the agreement, Bessent elaborated on the partnership, explaining that it allows the U.S. to invest alongside Ukraine to unlock the country’s growth potential, leveraging American resources and expertise to enhance Ukraine’s investment climate and expedite its economic recovery.

While both sides were prepared to sign the agreement earlier, the U.S. insisted on finalizing both the mineral resources agreement and the investment fund agreement simultaneously. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed that the signing dates were coordinated to align with the completion of the fund agreement.

Despite some last-minute hurdles, including a request from the U.S. to sign both agreements concurrently, the parties are eager to move forward with the deal. President Trump underscored the significant support provided by the U.S. to Ukraine’s war efforts and expressed optimism about the potential outcomes of the agreement.

Originally scheduled for late February, the signing of the minerals deal was postponed following a tense exchange between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, both leaders remain committed to finalizing the agreement and reaping the benefits of this strategic partnership.

As this story continues to develop, stay tuned for further updates on this landmark agreement between the United States and Ukraine.