Ukraine’s parliament has overwhelmingly ratified a long-anticipated minerals deal with the United States, in a move Kyiv hopes will strengthen economic cooperation and open the door to future military support. The agreement, approved on Thursday with 338 out of 347 lawmakers voting in favor, establishes a joint effort to develop Ukraine’s valuable natural resources, particularly critical minerals vital for global industries.
Originally slated for signing in February, the deal was delayed by political tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Despite the setback, both nations finalized the agreement last week, touting it as a foundation for deeper ties.
While the deal contains no explicit security guarantees, Washington maintains that deepening U.S. business engagement in Ukraine will serve as a strategic deterrent against Russia, which invaded Ukraine in February 2022 and continues to occupy parts of the country’s east areas rich in mineral deposits.
President Zelensky praised the agreement as a “new chapter” in bilateral relations. In a post on X, he emphasized its dual purpose: “Right now, it serves as a strong foundation for security cooperation, and in the long term, it offers an opportunity for Ukraine and the U.S. to expand mutually beneficial economic collaboration.”
The agreement includes the creation of a joint “recovery fund,” with all profits earmarked for reinvestment in Ukraine over the first decade. This fund may also be used to account for future U.S. military assistance, further intertwining defense and economic support mechanisms.
Although Donald Trump initially described the accord as “money back” for wartime aid given during Joe Biden’s presidency, Ukrainian officials say the terms were renegotiated to reflect equal benefits for both nations and to avoid links to any past debts.
Implementation challenges remain, with ongoing fighting in eastern Ukraine and the fact that many mineral-rich territories are still under Russian occupation. Nevertheless, the United States Kyiv’s largest backer since the war began — signaled that agreements like this are essential for continued support.
For Ukraine, the ratified deal not only promises economic recovery but also underscores its strategic alignment with Washington in the face of continued Russian aggression.
