US-Ukraine rare earth minerals access agreement signed

The mineral agreement, which was the subject of months of tense negotiations and finalized just hours before signing, will establish a US-Ukraine reconstruction investment fund. The US government stated that this fund will begin repaying approximately $175 billion in aid provided to Ukraine.

While the full text has not been released, available details indicate that a portion of the revenue from resource development will be allocated to a joint US-Ukraine investment fund, with Kyiv retaining full ownership of the actual resources.

Ukraine hopes this agreement will secure ongoing US military and financial support, while the United States gains access to Ukraine’s vast mineral wealth, particularly rare earth elements critical for advanced industries.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement: “This agreement clearly shows Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a long-term peace process centered on a free, independent, and prosperous Ukraine.”

Bessent added: “Trump envisioned this cooperation between the American and Ukrainian people to demonstrate both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine.”

Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister, confirmed in a social media post that she signed the agreement on the previous Wednesday.

The senior Ukrainian official wrote: “Together with the US, we are creating a fund that will attract global investment to our country, and this agreement still needs to be approved by Ukraine’s parliament.”