KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukraine and the United States have successfully negotiated a framework for a comprehensive economic deal, which notably includes access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. This development was confirmed by three senior Ukrainian officials on Tuesday.
These officials, with insight into the matter, disclosed details under the condition of anonymity due to authorization constraints. One official emphasized that Kyiv is hopeful that finalizing this agreement will ensure the sustained flow of much-needed U.S. military support to Ukraine.
While there was no immediate response from U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, plans are underway for a potential signing as early as Friday. According to one of the Ukrainian officials, preparations are being made for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to visit Washington to meet with President Trump.
Another official highlighted that the agreement would offer an opportunity for Zelenskyy and Trump to discuss continued military aid, a crucial aspect for Kyiv, which is why finalizing the deal is a priority.
One official mentioned that some technical details are still being ironed out. Notably, the draft agreement does not include a controversial proposal from the Trump administration which involved granting the U.S. $500 billion in profits from Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for wartime assistance. Instead, the deal proposes joint ownership of a fund, with Ukraine contributing 50% of future proceeds from state-owned resources, including minerals, oil, and gas.
According to officials, the agreement promises better investment terms and includes favorable amendments for Ukraine, marking the outcome as “positive.”
Importantly, the deal does not encompass security guarantees. Officials stated that this critical issue would be a topic of discussion during the anticipated meeting between the two presidents.
The negotiations have gained momentum following a week of sharp exchanges between Trump and Zelenskyy regarding their differences over the deal. Zelenskyy had earlier opposed a proposal by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Kyiv and reiterated his stance in Munich with Vice President JD Vance, highlighting the lack of security guarantees.
Significant progress was achieved during a recent three-day visit to Ukraine by retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia. The idea for this economic framework was initially introduced last fall by Zelenskyy, as part of his strategy to bolster Kyiv’s position in future negotiations with Moscow.
