US-Ukraine Deal Signed: What Are the Terms?

The United States and Ukraine have signed a landmark minerals deal granting America preferential access to Ukraine’s untapped rare earth resources and creating a reconstruction investment fund.

Key Insights

The US-Ukraine minerals agreement creates a 50-50 partnership to develop and monetize Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, oil, and gas resources as part of an economic recovery plan.
President Donald Trump advocated for this deal, with Secretary Bessent emphasizing its role in facilitating peace.
Ukraine maintains ownership of resources with decision-making power over extraction, according to officials.
The agreement requires Ukrainian parliamentary ratification and establishes a reconstruction fund with no profits taken for 10 years.
Nearly 40% of Ukraine’s metallic mineral resources remain inaccessible due to Russian occupation, despite the country’s significant reserves of titanium and lithium.

Partnership Terms Finalized After Months of Negotiation

After months of complex negotiations, the United States and Ukraine have formalized a minerals agreement giving America preferential access to Ukraine’s substantial natural resources. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who signed the agreement in Kyiv, said that the partnership aims to strengthen Ukraine’s economic recovery while creating a pathway toward ending the ongoing conflict.

The agreement focuses on joint development of Ukraine’s rare earth elements, critical minerals, oil, gas, and other natural resources. These materials are increasingly valuable in global supply chains, particularly for advanced technology manufacturing and defense industries where America seeks to reduce dependence on Chinese suppliers. The deal represents a significant shift in US-Ukraine relations, moving beyond military aid toward long-term economic cooperation in strategic sectors.

Ukraine, US sign minerals deal, tying Trump to Kyiv https://t.co/xLtv7TBa04

— VOZ (@Voz_US) May 1, 2025

Ukraine Maintains Resource Control

Ukrainian officials have emphasized that the agreement preserves their nation’s sovereignty over its natural resources. Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine’s Minister of Economic Development, said that Ukraine will maintain decision-making authority over “where and what to extract.” The final agreement represents a more favorable arrangement for Ukraine than earlier proposed versions, ensuring the country retains full ownership of its resources while benefiting from American investment and expertise.

“This partnership will facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war,” stated US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent during the signing ceremony in Kyiv.

The deal establishes a reconstruction fund that will receive 50% of future profits from government-owned resources, with the United States also contributing financial support and military assistance. The arrangement specifies no profits will be taken during the first decade, allowing Ukraine to focus on rebuilding infrastructure and developing extraction capabilities. The agreement excludes resources already generating revenue for Ukraine’s war effort, providing protection for existing funding streams.

Critical Strategic Resources at Stake

Ukraine possesses substantial untapped reserves of strategic minerals that have grown increasingly valuable in global markets. The country holds significant deposits of titanium, used in aerospace and military applications, and lithium, essential for battery production. Before the Russian invasion, Ukraine’s mineral industry accounted for 6.1% of GDP and 30% of the country’s exports. However, development has been hampered by outdated regulations, insufficient geological data, and now the ongoing war.

An estimated 40% of Ukraine’s metallic mineral resources currently remain inaccessible due to Russian occupation of eastern territories. For the United States, the agreement provides access to critical supply chains outside of Chinese influence, while Ukraine gains investment needed to develop its mineral sector and support its economic recovery. The deal requires ratification by Ukraine’s parliament before implementation can begin.