US signs mineral deal with Ukraine amid tensions with Russia
The US and Ukraine have signed a deal granting Washington access to Ukraine's critical minerals, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defense and diversify U.S. supply chains
The US and Ukraine have signed a deal granting Washington access to Ukraine's critical minerals, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defense and diversify U.S. supply chains
The US and Ukraine have signed a deal granting Washington access to Ukraine's critical minerals, aiming to bolster Ukraine's defense and diversify U.S. supply chains
The United States and Ukraine have finalized a deal granting Washington access to Ukraine's critical minerals and natural resources, a move Kyiv hopes will secure long-term support against Russian aggression.
See the details of the plan above
The White House emphasized that this agreement signals to Russia that the U.S. "has skin in the game" regarding Ukraine's long-term success.
At the core of this agreement is a U.S.-Ukraine reconstruction investment fund, aimed at helping Ukraine rebuild its infrastructure and economy. This fund will be partially financed by natural resource projects in Ukraine, with Kyiv contributing 50% of royalties, license fees, and other payments from these projects.
The deal focuses on critical minerals such as lithium, titanium, and uranium, which are essential for electric vehicles, clean energy, and defense technology. Under the agreement, Ukraine retains ownership of the projects, but the U.S. has the first rights to purchase them or designate a buyer.
The deal was initially set to be signed in February but was delayed following a tense meeting between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. However, a recent meeting at the Vatican during the Pope's funeral appears to have revitalized negotiations.
The White House stated that any person, company, or country that supported Russia's war efforts will be excluded from participating in the joint fund. Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it "an important step in ending this war." The White House said with this agreement "the United States taking an economic stake in securing a free, peaceful, and sovereign future for Ukraine."
The White House also highlighted that the deal helps the U.S. diversify its supply chains for critical minerals like lithium and titanium, which are essential for electric vehicles, semiconductors, and defense systems.
By partnering with Ukraine, the U.S. reduces reliance on adversaries like China and secures long-term access to these strategic materials.
Although the deal is designed to attract other countries to invest in Ukraine's energy and mineral sectors, the U.S. retains first rights, meaning other countries will need U.S. approval to buy or develop these projects.
