The United States and Ukraine have reached an agreement on a draft minerals deal, a key component of Kyiv’s strategy to secure long-term support from Washington, according to a report by Reuters.
The deal, which does not include security guarantees or provisions for continued U.S. military aid, comes as President Donald Trump pushes for a swift resolution to the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
Sources familiar with the agreement indicate that it will establish a Reconstruction Investment Fund, which will be used to channel revenues from Ukraine’s vast mineral resources—including graphite, ferroalloys, and rare earth elements—toward rebuilding the country. Under the terms, Ukraine is expected to contribute 50% of its mineral revenue (after operating costs) until it reaches $500 billion.
Trump, who has framed the deal as a repayment for billions in U.S. aid, confirmed that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to visit Washington on Friday to sign the agreement. However, past negotiations had stalled over concerns from Kyiv, which argued that previous drafts disproportionately favored U.S. interests while failing to offer essential security assurances.
Geopolitical Tensions and Peacekeeping Talks
The agreement unfolds against a backdrop of escalating diplomatic tensions. Trump has hinted at deploying peacekeeping troops to Ukraine as part of a potential resolution to the war. While some European nations have expressed willingness to contribute forces, Moscow has rejected any NATO involvement, complicating efforts to reach a consensus.
Trump’s stance on Ukraine has raised concerns among European allies, who fear that a U.S. shift toward Moscow could result in major geopolitical concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Critics argue that the minerals deal, which grants the U.S. access to Ukraine’s resource wealth, could be perceived internationally as economic coercion rather than genuine assistance.
Scott Anderson, a governance expert at the Brookings Institution, noted that while some view the agreement as a form of economic leverage, it may be crucial in securing continued U.S. backing for Ukraine.
“They say this gives Trump real skin in the game. There is logic to that,” Anderson said..