Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky, has warmly welcomed a minerals agreement with the United States, describing it as a “truly equal and fair partnership.” This landmark deal marks a significant outcome from his recent meeting with former US President Donald Trump, held on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral.
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President Zelensky emphasized that this minerals deal paves the way for the modernization of various industries in Ukraine. “The agreement has changed significantly,” he noted during his daily address. “Now it is a genuinely equal agreement that presents opportunities for substantial investment in Ukraine.” This sentiment underscores the potential impact of the agreement on the nation’s economic landscape.
Both the US and Ukraine have formalized a deal, heavily endorsed by Mr. Trump, which grants the US preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources while funding investments for Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts. After navigating several complex negotiations, the two countries signed the accord in Washington, amid last-minute uncertainties.
This agreement plays a crucial role in Ukraine’s objective to restore its relationship with the Trump administration, especially given the tension that arose after Trump took office in January. Ukrainian officials are optimistic that this deal will reinforce ongoing US support for Ukraine’s defense against Russian aggression.
The signing event was captured in a photograph shared on X, which displayed US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko sealing the agreement. The Treasury Department remarked that this deal “clearly signals the Trump Administration’s commitment to a free, sovereign, prosperous Ukraine.” This sentiment echoes the broader commitment to Ukraine’s autonomy and development.
On April 30, 2025, the United States and Ukraine established the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. According to the Treasury, this partnership symbolizes an unwavering commitment to supporting Ukraine’s sovereignty and prosperity.
Ms. Svyrydenko shared on X that the agreement includes provisions for the US to contribute substantially to the fund. She expressed, “In addition to direct financial contributions, it may also provide NEW assistance – for example, air defense systems for Ukraine.” While the US has not directly confirmed this proposition, such support underscores the ongoing military collaboration between the two nations, particularly since the Russian invasion in 2022, during which the US has provided over €64 billion in aid, as reported by the Kiel Institute in Germany.
Prior to the signing, Mr. Trump reiterated the need for the US to “get something in return for its aid to Ukraine.” In announcing the deal, the US Treasury affirmed that the partnership acknowledges “the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to the defense of Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion.” This aspect of reciprocity is vital in maintaining a robust alliance.
Ms. Svyrydenko articulated that the accord empowers Ukraine to “determine what and where to extract,” ensuring that the subsoil remains under Ukrainian ownership. Given Ukraine’s wealth of natural resources, including rare earth metals, iron, uranium, and natural gas, the potential for economic growth is substantial, especially as global rare-earth mining is currently dominated by China.
In her remarks, Ms. Svyrydenko clarified that Ukraine has no debt obligations to the US under this agreement, a key factor during negotiations. Furthermore, she highlighted that the deal aligns with Ukraine’s constitution and its aspirations to join the European Union, indicating strategic foresight on the part of Ukrainian leadership.
While the minerals deal and US peace efforts have been discussed separately, they reflect a broader approach by Washington towards Ukraine and Russia. Notably, former President Trump’s softer stance on Russia, coupled with controversial proposals regarding Crimea, has posed challenges for Ukraine’s sovereignty. President Zelensky has firmly stated that Ukraine will never concede its territorial integrity, affirming the nation’s constitutional commitments.
“Importantly, the agreement sends a signal to global partners that long-term cooperation with Ukraine—over decades—is not only possible but reliable,” Ms. Svyrydenko remarked on X, showcasing the optimism surrounding Ukraine’s future alliances.
A draft of the US-Ukraine agreement, reviewed by Reuters, indicated that Ukraine successfully secured the removal of any obligation to repay the US for past military assistance—an aspect Ukraine staunchly opposed. However, the draft did not lay out concrete US security guarantees, one of Ukraine’s initial objectives. Separately, discussions with European allies regarding an international force to safeguard Ukraine’s security continue, particularly as peace negotiations with Russia progress.
In summary, this minerals deal represents a pivotal moment in the US-Ukraine relationship, fostering hope for significant investments and stronger alliances as the country navigates its path to recovery and growth.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
