Egypt Daily News – After months of tense negotiations, the United States and Ukraine have signed an agreement expected to grant Washington access to key minerals and other natural resources in the country. Kyiv hopes the agreement will secure long-term support for its defense against Russia, according to the American news agency Associated Press.
The agreement, which must be ratified by the Ukrainian parliament, includes the establishment of a fund for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Ukrainian officials hope it will help ensure continued U.S. military aid in the future.
What does the deal include?
The deal covers minerals, including rare earth elements, as well as other valuable resources such as oil and natural gas, according to the text released by the Ukrainian government.
It does not include resources that are already a source of income for the Ukrainian state. Ukrainian officials also noted that the agreement does not impose any debt obligations on Kyiv.
Officials confirmed that Ukraine will retain full ownership of the resources, with Kyiv determining what can be extracted and where.
According to the Associated Press, the text of the agreement lists 55 minerals, though it notes that more could be added by mutual agreement. This includes a group of 17 elements essential for many types of consumer technologies, such as mobile phones, hard drives, electric and hybrid vehicles.
China is currently the world’s largest producer of rare earth elements. Both the United States and Europe have been working to reduce their dependence on Beijing, a major geopolitical rival of the Trump administration.
Elements like lanthanum, cerium, and scandium are included in the deal.
How will the reconstruction fund work?
The agreement establishes an investment fund for reconstruction, to be jointly managed by the United States and Ukraine with equal say in its administration.
The fund will be supported by the U.S. government through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, which Ukraine hopes will attract investment and technology from the United States and European countries.
Ukraine is expected to contribute 50% of all future profits from government-owned natural resources to the fund.
The U.S. will also contribute in the form of direct funding and equipment, including much-needed air defense systems and other military assistance.
Washington and Kyiv praise the deal
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who signed on behalf of the United States, said in a statement: “This agreement clearly signals to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine in the long term.”
Ukraine’s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who signed the agreement on Ukraine’s behalf, said in a Facebook post: “We have shaped a version of the agreement that provides mutually beneficial terms for both countries.”
She added: “This agreement signals the U.S. commitment to promoting long-term peace in Ukraine and recognizes the contribution Ukraine has made to global security by giving up its nuclear arsenal.”
