Key Points
- The U.S. secures priority access to Ukraine’s natural resources through a new minerals deal, establishing a joint reconstruction investment fund.
- The agreement, a priority for U.S. President Donald Trump, follows over three years of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Ukraine’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Yulia Svyrydenko, emphasized the deal’s potential for mutual economic benefits.
On February 26, 2025, near the frontline in Ukraine’s Donetsk Region, minerals are loaded onto trucks at an open-pit mine under the constant threat of Russian bombardment. This image captures the resilience of Ukraine’s resource sector as the country signs a pivotal minerals agreement with the United States. (Photo by Pierre Crom/Getty Images)
The United States and Ukraine have finalized a significant minerals deal, granting Washington preferential access to Kyiv’s abundant natural resources, including rare earths, critical minerals, oil, and gas. In return, the agreement establishes a reconstruction investment fund to support Ukraine’s economic recovery.
The deal, finalized after months of intense negotiations, marks a key achievement for U.S. President Donald Trump, who has prioritized this partnership since taking office in January 2025. The agreement comes more than three years after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began, reshaping global geopolitics and resource dynamics.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the deal as a cornerstone of economic collaboration, stating, “This partnership enables joint investment to expedite Ukraine’s recovery and supports a peace process rooted in a free and prosperous Ukraine.” Bessent emphasized that the agreement sends a clear message to Russia about the Trump Administration’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and long-term stability.
President Trump has framed the deal as a strategic move to offset the substantial U.S. financial aid provided to Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. Speaking at a NewsNation town hall, Trump remarked, “This deal ensures we’re protected and don’t look foolish after all we’ve invested.” He also revealed that discussions with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy about the agreement took place during their meeting at Pope Francis’ funeral in Vatican City on April 26, 2025. (Handout photo via Office of the President of Ukraine/Getty Images)
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy noted in mid-April that a framework for the deal was already in place, though he expressed concerns about the lack of specific security guarantees. Despite these reservations, the agreement moved forward, reflecting Ukraine’s determination to leverage its resources for economic resilience.
Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade, hailed the deal as a win-win for both nations. In a statement on X, she said, “This agreement signals to global partners that Ukraine is a reliable long-term collaborator.” Svyrydenko highlighted that Ukraine retains control over resource extraction decisions, ensuring national sovereignty. The reconstruction fund, structured as a 50-50 partnership, underscores the equal footing of both countries, with neither holding a dominant vote.
The agreement positions Ukraine as a key player in the global minerals market while strengthening U.S.-Ukraine ties amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
