‘New form of dedication’: Ukraine, US sign minerals deal after two-month delay

The United States and Ukraine on Wednesday formalized minerals settlement after a two-month delay, signaling a shift in Washington’s strategy to supporting Kyiv. Described by the Donald Trump administration as a “new form of commitment” to Ukraine following the cessation of navy support, the deal marked a strategic pivot towards financial and resource-based cooperation.
“Both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine. This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine over the long term,” US treasury secretary Scott Bessent mentioned as he introduced the deal.
Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmygal described the newly signed minerals settlement with the States as “good, equal, and beneficial.” He later introduced by way of Telegram that the 2 nations would collectively set up a Reconstruction Investment Fund, with equal 50 p.c voting rights for each side.
“Ukraine retains full control over its subsoil, infrastructure and natural resources,” he mentioned.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was initially scheduled to sign the minerals settlement on the White House, however the plan was abruptly scrapped following a televised confrontation that led to his dismissal from the assembly.
Ukraine is believed to carry round 5% of the world’s whole mineral and uncommon earth reserves, although a lot of this potential stays untapped, with a number of key websites now below Russian management. According to France’s Bureau of Geological and Mining Research, Ukraine possesses roughly 20% of the world’s graphite—a vital part in electrical car batteries. The nation can also be a serious supply of manganese and titanium and claims to carry the biggest lithium deposits in Europe.
More than three years into the conflict, Russia now occupies about 20% of Ukrainian territory, with the battle having claimed tens of hundreds of lives, together with many civilians.