5 KEY POINT SUMMARY – Ukraine signs mineral deal
• Ukraine signs mineral deal granting US access to aluminum, gas, and graphite
• Trump pushed hard for the agreement, tying it to past US aid
• A new joint fund will split royalties and attract global investors
• Ukraine’s parliament must still approve the final fund structure
• Tensions rise as Zelenskyy urges Trump to take a harder stance on Russia
Ukraine signs mineral deal with the United States, granting American companies access to key natural resources. The agreement, signed Tuesday night in Washington, covers aluminum, graphite, and oil. It also marks a shift in U.S.–Ukraine relations as Trump pushes Kyiv for compensation in exchange for past military aid.
Ukraine Signs Mineral Deal After Trump’s Demands
Trump had repeatedly urged Ukraine to repay support. The new agreement answers that call by giving U.S. investors priority access to Ukrainian mining and energy projects. It also includes a joint reconstruction fund that will split profits equally.
President Zelenskyy avoided direct concessions on territory but acknowledged the diplomatic shift. He voiced support for the new economic partnership after a tense February meeting with Trump and Vice President JD Vance at the White House.
New Fund Created To Split Royalties
The deal outlines the creation of a joint US–US-Ukrainian fund that will receive half of all royalties from new mineral licenses. While the US will receive preferential access to investment opportunities, existing contracts will not be affected.
Future US military aid may be counted toward Washington’s contribution to the fund, which will play a central role in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction strategy.
Ukraine Signs Mineral Deal With Parliament Approval Pending
Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko signed the deal alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. She announced, “This fund will attract global investment. It allows both countries to grow through equal cooperation.”
However, Ukrainian lawmakers still need to approve the fund structure. Until then, implementation remains on hold. Even so, the announcement that Ukraine signs a mineral deal signals stronger U.S. economic involvement.
Zelenskyy Presses Trump On Putin Strategy
Behind the scenes, Zelenskyy also urged Trump to get tougher on Putin. The two met last week at Pope Francis’ funeral after a tense White House meeting in February. Their Vatican discussion reportedly led Trump to post criticism of Russia on Truth Social, writing, “Too many people are dying!!!”
Trump later hinted at a policy shift on Truth Social, writing, “Putin has to be dealt with differently… too many people are dying!!!”
Kremlin Response Complicates Peace Push
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov rejected the idea of quick peace, saying Russia would only negotiate directly with Kyiv, not Washington. “The Ukrainian crisis is too complicated to be resolved overnight,” he stated.
Trump, growing frustrated with the slow progress, warned that he may soon abandon negotiations altogether.
