US and Ukraine Finalize Major Natural Resources Agreement Amid Ongoing Conflict

The United States and Ukraine have officially signed a long-anticipated deal to jointly develop Ukraine’s extensive energy and mineral resources, concluding several months of complex and tense negotiations.

Central to the agreement is the creation of a US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, aimed at facilitating Ukraine’s economic recovery from the devastation caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. The fund is expected to attract international investments and stimulate critical sectors such as mining, oil, and gas, though Ukraine will retain full ownership of its resources.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent hailed the deal as a sign of enduring commitment between the two nations. He emphasized that the fund would help “unlock Ukraine’s growth assets” and underscored America’s dedication to ensuring Ukraine’s prosperity and long-term security.

The agreement notably coincides with a broader geopolitical context — particularly the US’s escalating trade war with China, a country that currently dominates the global rare-earth mineral market. Ukraine’s rich deposits of graphite, titanium, and lithium — essential for renewable energy, military tech, and industrial applications — make it a strategic alternative source.

A statement from the US Treasury sharply criticized Russia’s aggression and made it clear that no individuals or entities tied to the Russian war effort would benefit from Ukraine’s reconstruction.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who signed the agreement in Washington, called the deal a turning point. On social media, she stated that it would “attract global investment into our country” and confirmed that the partnership will operate on a 50:50 basis, pending ratification by Ukrainian lawmakers.

Crucially, the deal also includes new US military assistance — including air defense systems — and signals growing strategic cooperation. The pact is viewed as vital for Kyiv, especially as it seeks guarantees of ongoing security support from the West.

Former US President Donald Trump has played an influential role in pushing the deal forward. Although he initially demanded Ukraine repay the US for all past military aid, the final arrangement only offers the US access to some of Ukraine’s natural resources in return for future assistance. Still, Trump praised the deal as a way for the US to recuperate its investment and secure access to Ukraine’s valuable rare-earth materials.

The path to the agreement was anything but smooth. The original signing was expected in February but was derailed following a fiery disagreement between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Trump accused Zelensky of risking escalation into a larger war — a confrontation that temporarily froze negotiations.

The situation eased only after a private meeting between Trump and Zelensky at Pope Francis’ funeral, where the leaders reportedly made headway. Trump later revealed that he urged Zelensky to finalize the deal, stressing the strategic importance of the agreement in the face of Russian advances.

“There are materials there that many places in the world simply don’t have,” Trump said in a televised interview. “They’re valuable, and they’re essential. This is a win-win if done right.”

A US source familiar with the negotiations revealed that the final round of talks was strained by disagreements over fund governance and financial transparency. Ukrainian negotiators allegedly tried to reopen finalized sections, frustrating American officials. Nonetheless, technical documents were signed last week, and the formal agreement is now in place.

The Kremlin has not yet issued a response to the agreement.

This landmark deal is expected to redefine economic and defense relations between Washington and Kyiv while offering Ukraine a lifeline for reconstruction and the US a foothold in securing rare-earth resources outside of Chinese control.