The United States and Ukraine have officially signed an agreement that gives the U.S. special access to Ukraine’s rare minerals and natural resources. This deal was reached after months of discussions, international media reported on Thursday.
Ukraine Keeps Control Over Extraction
Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, confirmed that she signed the deal. She said that Ukraine will still decide which minerals to extract and from which locations.
Why the Deal Matters
Experts say it will take about $2 billion to begin mining rare minerals in Ukraine. If successful, this could help the U.S. reduce its reliance on China and Russia for important elements used in electronics and defense.
Ukraine's Natural Wealth
Ukraine has:
- 6% of the world’s graphite
- Europe’s largest reserves of lithium, titanium, and uranium
- Large quantities of beryllium
New Investment and Reconstruction Fund
The deal creates a joint U.S.-Ukraine Investment and Reconstruction Fund. Key points include:
- Run by both the U.S. and Ukraine
- Funded by 50% of revenue from new licenses for rare minerals, oil, and gas
- Supported by U.S. financial aid and military help
U.S. to Share in Future Profits
The U.S. will also get a portion of profits from selling Ukraine’s rare minerals. This will help pay back the $175 billion the U.S. has given Ukraine since the war started.
Message to Russia
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant said the deal shows the Trump administration supports a peaceful, independent, and strong Ukraine.
Trump Linked Aid to Mineral Access
President Trump had earlier said that future military aid to Ukraine would depend on the U.S. getting access to its rare minerals.
Zelensky's Visit and Initial Refusal
President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington in February to finalize the deal. After a tense meeting with Trump, he returned to Ukraine early. Zelensky first refused to allow U.S. access in exchange for $500 billion, saying the U.S. had not offered that much support or firm security promises.
Deal Finalized Later
Later, under pressure, Zelensky agreed, calling it a step toward gaining safety guarantees. The agreement was finalized during a private meeting at Pope Francis’ funeral.
Only Allies Will Join Reconstruction
Reports say the U.S. wants to block any country that supported Russia during the war from helping rebuild Ukraine.
Criticism of the Deal
Some critics argue the U.S. used its military aid to get access to Ukraine’s valuable mineral resources, turning support into a strategic advantage.
.jpg)
