The United States and Ukraine have signed a long-anticipated agreement granting joint access to Ukraine’s vast natural resources, a move seen as a strategic prerequisite for future U.S. military aid to Kyiv. The deal, finalized after months of tense negotiations, establishes a US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund aimed at reviving Ukraine’s economy amid its ongoing war with Russia.
The agreement focuses on joint projects involving critical minerals such as graphite, titanium, and lithium resources that are vital for renewable energy, defense technologies, and industrial applications. Ukraine is home to some of Europe’s richest untapped reserves, and the deal is seen as a geopolitical counter to China, which dominates global rare-earth supply chains.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the deal as a symbol of commitment to Ukraine’s recovery and long-term prosperity. “It’s about unlocking Ukraine’s growth assets,” he said in a video statement. The agreement also contains strong language condemning Russia’s invasion, emphasizing that no entity backing Moscow’s war effort will benefit from Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who signed the agreement in Washington, hailed it as a step toward attracting global investment. She stressed that while exploitation of resources will be shared on a 50:50 basis, ownership of the resources remains with Ukraine. The deal must still be ratified by Ukraine’s parliament.
Importantly, the agreement is linked to U.S. security guarantees. Former President Donald Trump, who has spearheaded the current administration’s Ukraine policy, insisted on the deal as a condition for continued aid. Although he initially demanded full reimbursement for previous military support, the final agreement grants the U.S. access to Ukraine’s resources in exchange for future assistance, including air defense systems.
The signing followed delays caused by disagreements over fund governance and transparency measures. However, a recent meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at Pope Francis’ funeral helped revive talks.
Speaking to NewsNation, Trump said, “They have great rare earth. It’s a big asset… We need to secure it.” The deal marks a turning point in U.S.-Ukraine relations, binding economic recovery to strategic cooperation.
