Ukraine and US Strike Critical Minerals Deal as Zelensky Plans Washington Visit

A groundbreaking minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States is poised for signing this Friday, with Ukrainian President Zelensky expected to travel to Washington for the ceremony. The deal emerges amid mounting pressure from the Trump administration seeking compensation for billions in wartime aid provided under the Biden presidency.

President Trump, speaking from the Oval Office, emphasised the US position: “We want to get that money back. Without the United States and its military equipment, this war would have been over in a very short period.” The agreement’s structure reportedly involves joint development of Ukraine’s mineral resources, with revenues flowing into a newly established bilateral fund.

Ukrainian sources revealed to AFP that the arrangement would create a “joint fund for Ukraine and America,” though specific revenue-sharing details remain under negotiation. The Ukrainian government has prioritised securing American security guarantees as a crucial component of the agreement, reflecting ongoing concerns about territorial sovereignty.

Deputy Prime Minister Olha Stefanishyna indicated the deal’s broader implications, suggesting it extends beyond mere mineral rights. The agreement’s latest draft proposes Ukraine contribute 50 per cent of proceeds from future natural resource monetisation, including oil and gas reserves.

The timing of this deal coincides with heightened diplomatic activity, as Sir Keir Starmer prepares for Washington meetings with Trump on Thursday, likely advocating for more favourable terms for Kyiv. This follows French President Macron’s recent White House visit, underscoring the international community’s continued engagement in the Ukrainian conflict.

The proposed agreement represents a significant shift in US-Ukraine relations under the Trump administration, which has notably refrained from attributing blame to Moscow for the conflict’s inception. This development occurs against the backdrop of preliminary ceasefire discussions in Saudi Arabia, where notably, only US and Russian officials received invitations.