The deal, influenced by U.S. pressure under Trump, modifies previous terms that demanded exorbitant payments and notably lacks security guarantees for Ukraine against Russian aggression.**
Ukraine’s Landmark Minerals Agreement with the U.S. Amid Ongoing Conflict**
Ukraine’s Landmark Minerals Agreement with the U.S. Amid Ongoing Conflict**
Ukraine has consented to a new revenue-sharing agreement with the U.S., relinquishing a portion of its mineral wealth amid ongoing tensions with Russia.**
Ukraine has taken a significant step in forging a deal with the United States regarding its valuable mineral resources, a relationship marked by intense negotiations amidst the ongoing Russia-Ukraine War. Reports indicate that on Tuesday, Ukraine will agree to redirect some of its mineral revenue to the U.S., following sustained pressure from President Trump.
While the specifics of the deal remain under wraps, it is confirmed that the previously demanded $500 billion contribution has been removed from the equation. Recent drafts have shifted the conditions to pave the way for Ukrainian officials to accept the agreement more readily. Under the upcoming terms, Ukraine will allocate half of its revenue generated from future resource monetization—encompassing critical minerals, oil, and gas—to a fund, which the U.S. would partially control within legal limits.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, amidst the ongoing conflict, has pushed for security guarantees to protect his nation; however, the drafts examined indicate a lack of such commitments in the agreement. A final translated version of the agreement is expected to be signed shortly by American Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and his Ukrainian counterpart, followed by a photo-op signing event featuring Zelensky and Trump.
This landmark agreement highlights Ukraine's substantial reserves—housing over 100 major deposits of critical minerals, modest oil and gas, and the largest uranium reserves in Europe. Notably, Ukraine possesses a third of Europe's lithium reserves, an essential component for electric vehicle batteries, and has significant untapped rare earth metals vital for high-tech applications. The deal marks an important twist in mineral rights while raising concerns regarding the absence of security assurances to Ukraine's sovereignty as the war with Russia persists.
