KYIV – Ukraine is preparing to sign a long-anticipated mineral resources agreement with the United States within 24 hours, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on April 30, marking a significant step toward post-war reconstruction and deeper economic ties with Washington.
“This is a fair and mutually beneficial deal that supports Ukraine’s recovery and development,” Shmyhal said in a televised address. He emphasized that the agreement creates a joint investment structure with equal contributions from both countries.
The agreement, championed by U.S. President Donald Trump as “money back” for the aid already provided to Ukraine, will establish a 50/50 investment fund to develop Ukraine’s mineral sector. Under the terms, new U.S. military aid will count as America’s contribution to the fund, according to Ukrainian officials.
Negotiations had previously stalled after a tense exchange between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House, but both sides have since resumed talks to finalize the deal.
Though Ukraine has sought to include formal security guarantees to safeguard against future Russian aggression, a senior official in the Ukrainian presidency declined to confirm whether any were included in the final text.
What’s clear, however, is that the deal is not framed as repayment for past U.S. assistance. Instead, it is positioned as a partnership focused on long-term reconstruction, energy security, and the strategic use of Ukraine’s valuable natural resources.