The deal will grant the US preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources and establish a US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund
Ukraine and the United States (U.S.) have signed a high-profile agreement granting the U.S. preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources while establishing a United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund to support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts.
The deal, heavily championed by the President of the U.S. – Donald Trump, was formalised in Washington after protracted and sometimes tense negotiations. The agreement was signed by the Secretary of Treasury, U.S. – Scott Bessent and First Deputy Prime Minister, Ukraine – Yulia Svyrydenko.
Ukraine is home to vast reserves of rare earth elements, iron ore, uranium, and natural gas. These resources are viewed as strategically important for global supply chains—particularly as the West seeks to reduce reliance on China, which currently dominates rare-earth mining.
The agreement is being hailed as a significant milestone in U.S.-Ukraine relations, as Kyiv seeks to reaffirm American support amid ongoing efforts to end Russia’s full-scale invasion, now in its third year.
Taking it to X, Bessent tweeted,
Thanks to @POTUS @realDonaldTrump’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund to help… pic.twitter.com/N1jPa35DYh
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) April 30, 2025
Sharing her views, Yulia tweeted,
On behalf of the Government of Ukraine, I signed the Agreement on the Establishment of a United States–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund.
— Yulia Svyrydenko (@Svyrydenko_Y) April 30, 2025
Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment into our country. pic.twitter.com/8ryyAMqW83
Under the agreement, the United States will contribute financially to a reconstruction fund that aims to rebuild Ukraine’s war-torn infrastructure and economy. In exchange, Washington will gain priority access to future Ukrainian mineral projects, including those involving rare earth elements critical to advanced technologies and defense systems.
Yulia said that Ukraine retains full control over its subsoil and resource extraction decisions. The deal does not impose debt obligations on Ukraine, a central demand from Kyiv’s negotiating team. Yulia noted the agreement’s compliance with both Ukraine’s constitution and its aspirations for European Union (E.U.) membership. She also said that the deal opens the door to additional forms of support, including potential air defence systems, though the U.S. has not officially confirmed such provisions.
Since Russia’s invasion in 2022, the U.S. has been Ukraine’s largest military supporter, providing more than €64 billion ($72 billion) in aid, according to the Kiel Institute. President Trump has repeatedly stated that the U.S. should receive reciprocal benefits for its assistance—particularly in resource access.
While mineral access and reconstruction funding are being handled independently of peace negotiations, the deal aligns with a broader recalibration of U.S. policy on Ukraine. Trump has taken a softer stance on Russia in recent months, sparking controversy by suggesting Ukraine should consider territorial concessions—claims Kyiv firmly rejects as unconstitutional.
