By Charles Switzer
3:24am PDT, Apr 19, 2025
U.S. and Ukraine to Finalize Mineral Rights Agreement
After months of negotiations, the United States and Ukraine are set to sign a long-awaited mineral rights agreement next week, the
New York Post reported.
The deal, which has been in the works for some time, is expected to be formalized on April 24, with the exact location to be announced later.
President
Donald Trump confirmed the progress on Thursday, April 17, in a statement from the Oval Office, highlighting the significance of the agreement.
Here's what's happening.
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Ukrainian Economy Minister Announces Progress on the Deal
Earlier in the week, Ukrainian Minister of the Economy Yulia Svyrydenko shared an update on the negotiations via a series of posts on X.
"A positive new step has been made in the ongoing progress with the United States on the Economic Partnership Agreement and the creation of an investment fund for the reconstruction of Ukraine," Svyrydenko wrote on Wednesday, April 16.
She further explained, "Our technical teams have worked very thoroughly together on the agreement, and there is significant progress. Our legal staff has adjusted several items within the draft agreement."
Details of the Agreement and the Role of Mineral Resources
Ukraine's vast mineral resources have been central to the negotiations. The country holds large deposits of critical minerals such as titanium, lithium and uranium, which are necessary for the U.S. military, energy and nuclear power sectors.
The agreement aims to create a framework for cooperation in these areas. Yulia Svyrydenko also stated, "We have now agreed with the American side to record this progress in the relevant memorandum of intent. We are preparing to complete the formalization of the agreement in the near future."
Previous Setbacks and Current Agreement's Similarities
The mineral deal nearly came to fruition during Ukrainian President
Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to the White House on February 28, but the negotiations were paused after a memorable, heated exchange between President Donald Trump, Zelensky and Vice President
J.D. Vance.
The original terms proposed that Ukraine would allocate 50 percent of future revenues generated from national assets, including minerals and natural gas, into a joint fund.
While specifics on the new deal were not disclosed on Thursday, U.S. Treasury Secretary
Scott Bessent indicated that the new arrangement closely mirrors the terms agreed upon previously.
Zelensky's Willingness to Sign the Agreement and Strategic Implications
Volodymyr Zelensky repeatedly expressed his readiness to sign the deal, provided it is not perceived as repayment for military aid previously provided by the U.S.
This agreement aims not only to bolster Ukraine's economy but also to strengthen ties with the U.S. in the face of the ongoing Russian invasion.
The Donald Trump administration has prioritized mineral security, seeking deals with countries like Greenland and the Democratic Republic of Congo, as China holds a dominant position in access to rare earth minerals.
The deal could play a significant role in Ukraine's economic recovery once the conflict with Russia concludes.
