US, Ukraine Finalize Economic Deal to Access Minerals, Secure Aid

The United States and Ukraine have finalized a significant economic agreement establishing a joint reconstruction and investment fund, granting the U.S. access to proceeds from Ukraine’s rare earth minerals and other critical resources. The deal follows months of tense negotiations, with President Trump pushing for compensation for U.S. military and economic aid by securing access to Ukraine’s valuable raw materials. Both countries’ officials highlighted that the fund aims to attract global investment, improve Ukraine’s investment climate, and accelerate its economic recovery, while explicitly excluding any entities that supported Russia’s war effort from benefitting. The agreement is intended both as a commitment to Ukraine’s long-term sovereignty and prosperity and as a signal to Russia of continued U.S. engagement. However, some critics view the arrangement as the U.S. leveraging its aid for economic advantage, and some details about the fund’s structure and revenue sharing remain undisclosed.