The long-anticipated mineral resources agreement between the United States and Ukraine was signed on Wednesday, April 30. As per the deal, the United States will gain preferential access to Ukraine’s new mineral resource projects, according to Reuters.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Besant and Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko signed the agreement. Besant shared a photo of the signing ceremony on social media platform X, stating that the Trump administration envisions a free, prosperous, and sovereign Ukraine—an intent reflected in this agreement.
Svyrydenko mentioned that the deal would not only provide Ukraine with financial support but also open avenues for new assistance in areas such as air defense.
Reuters reviewed a draft of the agreement, which showed that a controversial clause—where President Trump had reportedly wanted Ukraine to repay previous US aid—was removed. However, one of Ukraine’s key demands was also not included.
The draft did not contain any security guarantees in exchange for the mineral deal.
This move is part of President Trump’s broader efforts to end the nearly three-year-long war between Ukraine and Russia. A joint investment fund will be established to aid Ukraine’s reconstruction.
Strategically, the agreement also helps Ukraine mend its strained relationship with Washington, which has faced tensions since Trump returned to office. Ukraine hopes that US military support against Russian aggression will continue.
According to the Kiel Institute in Germany, since Russia’s invasion in 2022, the United States has been the single largest provider of military aid to Ukraine, totaling $72 billion.
Though Trump’s peace initiatives and the mineral deal are separate, both reflect Washington’s broader strategy in the Ukraine conflict. Since returning to power, Trump has taken a more conciliatory stance towards Russia and has publicly blamed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for prolonging the war. He has even suggested ceding occupied territories to achieve peace.
