U.S. and Ukraine Finalize Minerals Deal as Trump Pushes for Peace Agreement

The U.S. and Ukraine have agreed on a draft minerals deal, central to Kyiv's push for Washington's support as President Donald Trump seeks a swift resolution to the Russia-Ukraine war. The draft does not include U.S. security guarantees or continued military aid but emphasizes a commitment to a "free, sovereign, and secure" Ukraine. Future weapons shipments remain under discussion.

Trump announced that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to visit Washington on Friday to sign a "very big deal." The announcement follows a heated exchange between the two leaders last week, with Trump labeling Zelenskiy an unpopular "dictator" and the Ukrainian leader accusing Trump of being in a "disinformation bubble."

A key aspect of the agreement is opening Ukraine’s vast mineral wealth to the U.S. It establishes a Reconstruction Investment Fund, where Ukraine will contribute 50% of revenues from minerals and hydrocarbons until the total reaches $500 billion. In return, the U.S. pledges long-term financial support for Ukraine's stability and economic growth. Trump, justifying the deal, claimed it would ensure "the American taxpayer gets their money back, plus."

Previously, Kyiv rejected a similar agreement over Washington’s demand for rights to $500 billion worth of resources, arguing that U.S. aid fell short of that value and lacked essential security assurances. The deal is now structured to provide financial backing while benefiting U.S. interests.

Trump's approach has unsettled European allies, who have been excluded from discussions. Meanwhile, Ukraine’s rich reserves, including 20% of the world’s graphite supply, make it a strategic asset. Whether this agreement secures lasting peace or fuels further geopolitical tensions remains uncertain.