Ukraine Ratifies US Minerals Deal Amid Ongoing Conflict

Ukraine's parliament has unanimously ratified a minerals and natural resources deal with the United States, granting the U.S. preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources and aiming to boost economic and military cooperation. The agreement is considered vital for securing future military aid from Washington, although it does not include explicit security guarantees. Despite transparency concerns and unresolved details about the associated investment fund, Ukrainian officials have promised further clarifications. The ratification is seen as a diplomatic win for President Zelenskyy, who is working to improve relations with former U.S. President Donald Trump after earlier stalled negotiations over aid repayment. Many resource-rich regions involved in the deal remain under Russian occupation, and both Russia and Ukraine have reported renewed clashes along the front despite a short-term ceasefire. Ukrainian officials express skepticism about Moscow's commitment to the ceasefire, citing ongoing violations.