Ukraine’s parliament has overwhelmingly ratified a groundbreaking agreement with the United States aimed at deepening long-term strategic cooperation through joint exploitation of critical minerals and other natural resources. The measure passed with unanimous support, as 338 members voted in favor—well above the required threshold—marking a major step forward in Kyiv’s strategy to solidify American backing amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
The agreement lays the groundwork for a bilateral investment fund that will be managed equally by both countries. This fund is set to support infrastructure development, mining operations, and energy initiatives, while also reinforcing Ukraine’s ability to withstand Russian aggression. The deal was finalized on May 1 after months of negotiations, during which Ukrainian officials pushed back against earlier drafts they believed would have compromised national sovereignty.
Ukrainian leaders describe the final version as a balanced arrangement that protects the country’s interests. Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated that the United States formally recognized Ukraine’s past contributions to global security—particularly its decision to relinquish its nuclear arsenal—and pledged to support long-term peace and prosperity for the nation. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had previously rejected a U.S. proposal demanding $500 billion in mineral profits as repayment for wartime assistance, calling it an unacceptable burden on future generations.
Instead, the ratified deal allows Ukraine to retain full ownership of its natural resources, with decisions on extraction remaining entirely under Kyiv’s control. The list includes 55 minerals such as titanium, lithium, and uranium, and the agreement leaves room to expand this list through mutual consent. Oil and natural gas are also included, but existing revenue streams will remain untouched.
Under the terms, Ukraine will contribute 50% of future profits from state-owned resource ventures to the investment fund. The U.S., through its International Development Finance Corporation, will inject direct financial support and advanced equipment, including air defense systems and military aid critical to Ukraine’s defense. No profits from the fund will be distributed for the first decade, allowing reinvestment into essential sectors.
Trump administration officials have positioned the deal as a firm demonstration of Washington’s commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that the agreement sends a clear message to Moscow that America supports a peaceful, free, and economically robust Ukraine. The U.S. State Department echoed this stance, highlighting the importance of a partnership grounded in shared security and mutual prosperity.
Ukrainian officials believe this deal is more than an economic arrangement—it is a cornerstone of national resilience. By attracting American and European investments, introducing new technologies, and bolstering defense capabilities, the agreement is designed to ensure Ukraine’s long-term stability and independence. The mineral deal, now officially ratified, stands as a symbol of the evolving alliance between Kyiv and Washington in the face of continued Russian aggression.
