US and Ukraine sign minerals deal that could have massive impact on war with Russia

By STEPHEN M. LEPORE FOR DAILYMAIL.COM

Published: 23:15 BST, 30 April 2025 | Updated: 23:43 BST, 30 April 2025

The United States and Ukraine have signed an agreement over access to Ukraine’s natural resources, the White House confirmed to DailyMail.com Tuesday evening.

The deal will provide the U.S. privileged access to new investment projects to develop Ukraine’s natural resources, including aluminum, graphite, oil and natural gas.

It was signed after after a weekslong press by President Donald Trump calling on Ukraine to compensate Washington for billions in military and economic assistance to help Ukraine repel the Russian invasion. 

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denis Shmygal said Tuesday morning that the deal was due to be signed in the next 24 hours. 

He said on Ukrainian television: ‘As soon as all the remaining details are finalized, in the near future, I hope within the next 24 hours, the agreement will be signed.’

The draft sets out the creation of a joint US-Ukrainian fund for reconstruction which will receive 50 percent of profits and royalties accruing to the Ukrainian state from new natural resources permits in Ukraine.

It says that any future US military assistance to Ukraine will count towards the US contribution to the joint fund. 

It says that any future US military assistance to Ukraine will count towards the US contribution to the joint fund.

The United States and Ukraine have signed an agreement over access to Ukraine’s natural resources

According to the draft, the United States, or other entities it designates, will get preferential, but not exclusive, access to new permits, licenses and investment opportunities in the field of Ukrainian natural resources. Existing deals are not covered.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a video posted to X that ‘this partnership allows the United States to invest alongside Ukraine, to unlock Ukraine´s growth assets, mobilize American talent, capital and governance standards that will improve Ukraine´s investment climate and accelerate Ukraine´s economic recovery.’

Ukraine´s Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko confirmed to The Associated Press that the deal has been signed in Washington. 

In a post on X, she said ‘Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment to our country.’

This is a developing story.  

:
US and Ukraine sign minerals deal that could have massive impact on war with Russia

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk