In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the United States and Ukraine signed a sweeping agreement on Wednesday that grants the US preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources and establishes a joint fund to support Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. The deal, strongly backed by US President Donald Trump, marks a strategic pivot in Washington’s Ukraine policy.

Signed in Washington by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the agreement signals renewed American commitment to Kyiv, while also aligning with Trump’s push to secure tangible returns for US aid.

Svyrydenko emphasized that Ukraine will retain full control over extraction rights and that its subsoil resources remain state-owned. She also clarified that Ukraine incurs no debt under this pact—a crucial victory for Kyiv after months of complex negotiations.

The agreement comes as Trump pursues a controversial peace plan with Moscow, including proposals Kyiv firmly rejects, such as recognizing Russian control over Crimea and other occupied regions. Nonetheless, the minerals accord is viewed as a critical step in restoring US-Ukraine ties strained since Trump’s return to office.

Ukraine possesses vast reserves of rare earth metals, uranium, iron, and natural gas—resources vital to high-tech industries and strategic defense. With China dominating the global rare-earth supply, the US sees Ukraine as a key partner in reducing supply chain dependencies.

Although the deal does not provide firm US security guarantees, it reflects Washington’s long-term economic and geopolitical interests in Ukraine. Notably, it exempts Ukraine from repaying previous US military aid—totaling over $72 billion since 2022—bolstering its financial position.

While peace negotiations remain separate, the accord sends a strong message of future collaboration. Svyrydenko noted it demonstrates Ukraine’s reliability as a partner for decades to come.

In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, the United States and Ukraine signed a sweeping agreement on Wednesday that grants the US preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources and establishes a joint fund to support Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction. The deal, strongly backed by US President Donald Trump, marks a strategic pivot in Washington’s Ukraine policy.

Signed in Washington by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, the agreement signals renewed American commitment to Kyiv, while also aligning with Trump’s push to secure tangible returns for US aid.

Svyrydenko emphasized that Ukraine will retain full control over extraction rights and that its subsoil resources remain state-owned. She also clarified that Ukraine incurs no debt under this pact—a crucial victory for Kyiv after months of complex negotiations.

The agreement comes as Trump pursues a controversial peace plan with Moscow, including proposals Kyiv firmly rejects, such as recognizing Russian control over Crimea and other occupied regions. Nonetheless, the minerals accord is viewed as a critical step in restoring US-Ukraine ties strained since Trump’s return to office.

Ukraine possesses vast reserves of rare earth metals, uranium, iron, and natural gas—resources vital to high-tech industries and strategic defense. With China dominating the global rare-earth supply, the US sees Ukraine as a key partner in reducing supply chain dependencies.

Although the deal does not provide firm US security guarantees, it reflects Washington’s long-term economic and geopolitical interests in Ukraine. Notably, it exempts Ukraine from repaying previous US military aid—totaling over $72 billion since 2022—bolstering its financial position.

While peace negotiations remain separate, the accord sends a strong message of future collaboration. Svyrydenko noted it demonstrates Ukraine’s reliability as a partner for decades to come.