In a significant development, the U.S. and Ukraine have finalized a landmark deal that grants Washington access to Ukraine's vital minerals and natural resources. This agreement, signed after extensive negotiations, is aimed at fortifying Ukraine's defense in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ukrainian officials believe this updated version of the deal is substantially more advantageous than earlier drafts, which had positioned Kyiv as a subordinate partner and granted the U.S. extensive rights over the nation's resources.
The agreement, pending ratification by the Ukrainian parliament, is designed to establish a reconstruction fund for Ukraine. This fund is seen as a mechanism to ensure ongoing American military support, which has been crucial in Ukraine's protracted struggle against Russia's full-scale invasion. Previous attempts to finalize a similar agreement faced setbacks, including a crucial Oval Office meeting that involved notable figures such as U.S. President Donald Trump, U.S. Vice President JD Vance, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who represented Ukraine in signing the deal, emphasized the mutual benefits of the agreement. She highlighted the U.S.'s commitment to fostering long-term peace in Ukraine and recognizing the sacrifices made by the country in terms of global security, particularly regarding its relinquishment of nuclear weapons.
The signing of this agreement arrives at a pivotal moment, as U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the upcoming week as “very critical” for efforts led by the U.S. to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The deal is seen as a means to ensure that the U.S.—Ukraine's most significant ally—remains engaged and does not withdraw military support, which has been vital in the face of Russia's aggression.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent reiterated the deal's significance, asserting that it sends a clear message to Russia about the U.S. administration's commitment to a peace process focused on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine.
The agreement encompasses a range of natural resources, specifically targeting minerals such as rare earth elements, along with oil and natural gas. However, it explicitly excludes resources that currently generate revenue for the Ukrainian state, meaning profits will be reliant on new investments. Notably, the deal specifies that Ukraine retains full ownership of the resources, allowing the government to control extraction processes and locations.
The deal outlines 55 minerals, including critical elements like titanium, lithium, and uranium, essential for modern technologies. This focus on rare earth elements is particularly significant, as they are crucial for various consumer technologies, including mobile phones and electric vehicles. China currently dominates the global supply of these elements, prompting both the U.S. and Europe to seek alternatives to reduce dependence on Beijing.
According to Svyrydenko, the agreement also establishes a reconstruction investment fund, where both the U.S. and Ukraine will share equal management responsibilities. Funded by the U.S. through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, the initiative aims to attract investments and technology from American and European entities. Ukraine is expected to allocate 50% of all future profits from state-owned natural resources into this fund.
Moreover, the United States will contribute through direct funding and military aid, including essential air defense systems. Notably, no profits will be withdrawn from the fund during the first ten years, allowing for reinvestment into projects focused on mining, oil, gas, and infrastructure development.
Despite the promising outlook, Ukraine's minerals industry remains largely underdeveloped due to restrictive state policies, insufficient geological data, and the ongoing conflict. The potential of the industry is still uncertain, but experts believe it holds significant promise, particularly in areas like titanium and lithium production, which are critical for various high-demand sectors.
In 2021, the mineral industry accounted for 6.1% of Ukraine's gross domestic product and 30% of its exports. However, approximately 40% of Ukraine's metallic mineral resources are currently inaccessible due to Russian occupation, according to data from the Kyiv-based think tank We Build Ukraine. As the situation evolves, Ukraine argues that developing these resources is in the best interest of both nations, particularly in light of Russian advances.
