A major agreement between the United States and Ukraine on critical mineral resources has been officially signed, marking a strategic breakthrough after months of negotiations and a last-minute scramble to finalize key details.
The deal establishes a long-term partnership aimed at tapping into Ukraine’s vast reserves of minerals essential to advanced technologies and defense systems. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed the agreement was signed after both sides resolved a dispute over the timing of related documents. Initially, Ukraine intended to sign the mineral resources agreement separately from a second document establishing a joint investment fund. However, the United States requested both be signed simultaneously, prompting a rapid push by Kyiv to complete the final draft of the fund framework.
The breakthrough came after U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian officials coordinated closely to finalize the terms. “Our side was ready, and we’re pleased to see Ukraine step up and complete this critical partnership,” Bessent said following the signing ceremony, which took place in Washington with both delegations present.
President Donald Trump hailed the agreement as a strategic win for both countries. “We’ve given a lot to support Ukraine in their fight for sovereignty, and now we’re seeing a deal that will benefit both nations,” Trump said. “This is just the beginning of a powerful economic and industrial alliance.”
The agreement, originally expected to be signed in February, had been delayed by political tensions and disagreements over details. A previously tense exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House temporarily stalled the process. However, both leaders appeared unified and optimistic during the signing, signaling a renewed commitment to shared goals.
This mineral partnership is expected to boost investment, support Ukraine’s economic recovery, and reduce Western reliance on adversarial sources for key materials. With the deal now in place, U.S. companies are expected to begin operations in Ukraine within the year, backed by the newly created joint investment fund.
