U.S., Ukraine Sign Critical Minerals and Recovery Pact

The United States and Ukraine have signed a landmark agreement that grants the U.S. priority access to Ukrainian critical minerals and establishes a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund to support Ukraine’s recovery. Under the deal, Ukraine retains control over its mineral resources and is not required to repay previous U.S. military aid, though explicit security guarantees sought by Kyiv are absent. The agreement marks a shift in U.S. support from military to long-term economic investment and is viewed as a diplomatic win for Ukraine. Russian officials condemned the deal, claiming Ukraine is trading national assets for Western support, while Ukrainian leaders see it as reaffirming U.S. commitment. The pact complicates peace negotiations with Russia, as increased U.S. business interests may affect Russian calculations, but parallel U.S.-Russia talks continue. Concerns remain about the security of mineral extraction in areas still under Russian control and the lack of formal U.S. security guarantees.