The United States and Ukraine have finalized the terms of a pivotal minerals agreement, marking a significant step in Ukraine's efforts to secure Washington's support amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia.
According to sources cited by Reuters, the draft agreement does not include specific U.S. security guarantees or a continued flow of weapons. Instead, it emphasizes the United States' commitment to ensuring that Ukraine remains \"free, sovereign and secure.\" Future weapons shipments remain under discussion between Washington and Kyiv.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy plans to visit Washington on Friday to formalize the deal. This development follows a period of heightened tensions between the two leaders, characterized by hostile exchanges last week.
Trump has framed the minerals deal as a repayment for billions of dollars in aid previously provided to Kyiv. He has also suggested that peacekeeping troops may be necessary in Ukraine if a comprehensive agreement to end the conflict is reached. While some European nations have expressed willingness to deploy peacekeeping forces, Moscow has dismissed these proposals, rejecting any NATO force deployments.
The accelerated push by Trump to conclude the Russia-Ukraine conflict and his conciliatory stance toward Moscow have raised concerns about potential extensive U.S. concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Critics fear such moves could jeopardize Ukraine's security and alter the broader geopolitical landscape in Europe.
Both U.S. and Ukrainian officials have endorsed the draft agreement, advising that it should be signed soon. The deal is expected to unlock Ukraine's substantial mineral resources for American interests.
Under the proposed terms, the United States and Ukraine will establish a Reconstruction Investment Fund aimed at collecting and reinvesting revenues from Ukraine's natural resources, including minerals and hydrocarbons. Ukraine is set to contribute 50 percent of the revenue, minus operating expenses, until the total contributions reach $500 billion. In return, the United States pledges a long-term financial commitment to fostering a stable and economically prosperous Ukraine.
Despite initial reluctance, President Zelenskyy has agreed to sign the deal, which promises access to Ukraine's vast reserves of critical minerals, including graphite—a vital component in electric vehicle batteries and nuclear reactors, representing 20 percent of global resources.
Scott Anderson, a fellow at the Brookings Institution, commented that while the minerals deal might appear opportunistic to many, it is a strategic move to gain support from President Trump and Republican lawmakers. \"This gives him real skin in the game,\" Anderson stated, highlighting the deal's political significance.
With Ukraine holding deposits of 22 out of the 34 minerals identified by the European Union as critical, this agreement could significantly enhance Ukraine's economic standing and provide the United States with valuable resources.
Reference(s):
U.S., Ukraine agree on terms of critical minerals deal: Reuters
cgtn.com
