Politics
NEW: U.S. And Ukraine Strike Landmark Deal
The United States and Ukraine have finalized a sweeping agreement that grants American access to Ukraine’s vast mineral resources as part of a broader partnership to fuel reconstruction and accelerate Kyiv’s path toward peace — without surrendering national control.
Ukrainian Economy Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko traveled to Washington on Wednesday to sign what she called the “Agreement on the Establishment of a United States–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund.” The move marks a turning point in U.S.-Ukraine economic ties, amid Ukraine’s grinding three-year war with Russia.
“Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment into our country,” Svyrydenko wrote on X.
The deal creates a 50/50 investment fund — jointly managed by Ukraine and the U.S. — aimed at developing Ukraine’s critical materials, oil, and gas sectors. According to Ukrainian officials, the fund will be financed from new licenses only, meaning no existing projects or previously budgeted revenues will be affected.
The U.S. had initially floated earlier versions of the agreement that included debt repayment for past aid and heavy-handed U.S. oversight of mineral development. However, those proposals were rejected by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who insisted on maintaining full ownership of Ukraine’s subsoil and safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty.
In the final version, all assets remain under Kyiv’s control, with no changes to the management or privatization of state-owned companies like Ukrnafta and Energoatom. The fund does not include any provisions for Ukrainian debt to the U.S., and legislative changes will be limited to targeted amendments to Ukraine’s Budget Code.
The breakthrough came after a private meeting between President Donald Trump and President Zelenskyy at Pope Francis’ funeral earlier this year, where both leaders reportedly discussed the minerals arrangement and ongoing efforts to secure peace with Russia. The conversation helped reset negotiations that had stalled for months over sovereignty and aid repayment concerns.
Vatican City, 26.04.2025: United States President Donald Trump Applauds as Pope Francis’ coffin passes. World leaders attend Pope Francis’ funeral in front of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome.
For the United States, the deal is a strategic economic and security win. With China dominating global supply chains for rare earths and critical materials vital to defense systems and clean energy technology, Washington has pushed hard to secure alternative sources. Ukraine’s resource-rich territory offers a critical opportunity to reduce American dependence on Beijing.
In return, the U.S. is pledging support through its International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), which will help attract additional private investment and cutting-edge technology. Over the next decade, profits from the new fund are expected to be reinvested back into Ukraine’s economy, including infrastructure and processing capacity tied to mineral extraction.
According to Svyrydenko, the fund is restricted to investing solely within Ukraine, with all profits and revenues expected to be reinvested into domestic projects and reconstruction efforts for at least the first 10 years.
Kharkiv, Ukraine – January, 31, 2022: Tanks with tankers turn around and go to the training ground
The Ukrainian minister stressed that the agreement is not only consistent with the nation’s constitution but also reinforces Ukraine’s European integration goals. It is now headed to Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, for ratification.
Analysts say the deal serves as a powerful message to global partners that Ukraine remains open for business — and is capable of long-term, reliable cooperation.
“The U.S. affirms its commitment to long-term peace in Ukraine and acknowledges Ukraine’s contribution to global security — including its decision to give up nuclear weapons,” Svyrydenko stated.
With war still raging and billions in rebuilding costs ahead, this partnership marks a rare moment of strategic alignment — and a signal that Ukraine’s mineral wealth may become a pillar of both its recovery and the West’s economic resilience.
