Ukraine has agreed to a minerals deal with the U.S., a Kyiv official confirmed, calling it a “positive outcome” with key amendments. Reports indicate Washington dropped its demand for $500 billion in revenue from Ukraine’s natural resources but did not provide firm security guarantees.
Under the deal, Ukraine will contribute 50% of future proceeds from state-owned minerals, oil, and gas to a jointly owned fund aimed at rebuilding its economy. U.S. President Donald Trump, expecting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Washington for the signing, claimed the U.S. would “get its money back plus” after providing Ukraine with $300-350 billion in aid.
Ukraine holds vast reserves of critical minerals, including lithium, titanium, and rare earth metals essential for global industries.
With U.S.-Russia ties warming, Kyiv fears being sidelined in future negotiations. Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered the U.S. access to minerals, including from Russian-occupied Ukrainian territories.
