US, Ukraine Reach Agreement on Critical Minerals Deal

The draft agreement, while not specifying U.S. security guarantees or ongoing military aid, emphasizes that the United States wants Ukraine to remain "free, sovereign, and secure." The future of weapons shipments is still under discussion between Washington and Kyiv, one source said.

Trump, who described the deal as a way to "repay" the billions of dollars in aid provided to Ukraine, mentioned that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy is expected to visit Washington on Friday to sign the agreement. This follows a week of tense exchanges between the two leaders.

Trump has suggested that peacekeeping troops may be necessary in Ukraine if an agreement to end the conflict is reached, though Moscow has strongly opposed the idea of NATO forces being deployed. Some European countries have shown a willingness to send peacekeepers, but the Kremlin has denied this would be acceptable.

The rushed move to end the war, alongside Trump’s apparent shift toward Moscow, has raised concerns about potential concessions to Russian President Vladimir Putin that could undermine Ukraine’s security and destabilize Europe.

The draft deal could unlock Ukraine's vast mineral resources for the U.S., with plans to establish a Reconstruction Investment Fund. Under the agreement, Ukraine would contribute 50% of revenues from its natural resources, including minerals and hydrocarbons, into the fund until it reaches $500 billion. The United States, in turn, would provide long-term financial commitments to help ensure Ukraine's economic stability and prosperity.

Trump defended the deal, emphasizing that American taxpayers would benefit by "getting their money back, plus." He also cited the $350 billion in aid and military equipment the U.S. has already provided to Ukraine.

Some critics have raised concerns that the deal may appear exploitative, but experts argue it may be necessary to secure Trump’s support and ensure U.S. lawmakers back the agreement.

As the deal progresses, European officials have been caught off guard by Trump’s approach to resolving the conflict, as he bypasses both Kyiv and European allies, signaling a shift in the U.S. focus away from Europe’s security.

Ukraine is home to vast deposits of critical minerals, including graphite, a key component in electric vehicle batteries, which accounts for 20% of the global supply. These resources could play a vital role in both Ukraine’s recovery and the U.S. economy’s shift toward cleaner technologies.