US, Ukraine Sign Major Minerals Deal Amid Ongoing Peace Talks

The United States and Ukraine have signed a significant economic partnership agreement granting the U.S. access to Ukraine's mineral resources in exchange for establishing an investment fund to aid in Ukraine's reconstruction. The deal is framed as mutually beneficial, with Ukraine retaining ownership of its natural resources and profits from mineral exploitation being reinvested in Ukraine for ten years. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent described the agreement as a strong signal to Russia, emphasizing the unity of American and Ukrainian interests and potential leverage in future peace talks. However, Russian officials criticized the deal, claiming it forces Ukraine to compensate the U.S. for military aid with its mineral wealth. The agreement covers a wide range of minerals, including those considered critical by both the EU and the U.S., and marks a breakthrough following strained relations between Washington and Kyiv. Some dispute remains over whether the deal compensates for past U.S. aid, but Ukrainian officials assert it focuses on future assistance.