The United States and Ukraine have reached an agreement on a pivotal minerals deal, signaling a major step in Kyiv's efforts to secure Washington's support during the ongoing conflict with Russia. 🇺🇸🇺🇦
According to Reuters, the draft agreement emphasizes the US's desire for Ukraine to be \"free, sovereign and secure.\" While the deal doesn't include specific US security guarantees or continued weapons flow, future weapons shipments are still under discussion.
President Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to visit Washington on Friday to sign the \"very big deal,\" following recent tensions between the two leaders.
Trump has framed the deal as a repayment for billions in US aid to Kyiv and mentioned the potential need for peacekeeping troops in Ukraine if a peace agreement is reached. Some European countries are open to sending peacekeepers, though Moscow has denied accepting them.
Critics worry that Trump's haste to end the Russia-Ukraine conflict may lead to significant US concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin, potentially impacting security in Ukraine and Europe.
The agreement could unlock Ukraine's vast mineral resources for US investment. It includes the establishment of a Reconstruction Investment Fund to reinvest revenues from Ukrainian minerals and other extractable materials.
Under the deal, Ukraine will contribute 50% of the revenue minus operating expenses until reaching $500 billion. In return, the US commits to supporting the development of a \"stable and economically prosperous Ukraine.\"
Trump highlighted that Ukraine would benefit from the $350 billion already provided by the US, along with military equipment and support to continue their fight.
Ukraine boasts deposits of 22 of the 34 minerals identified by the European Union as critical, including graphite reserves that account for 20% of global resources. This mineral wealth is a key component of the deal.
Reference(s):
U.S., Ukraine agree on terms of critical minerals deal: Reuters
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