The deal is expected to be ratified by the Verkhovna Rada this week, marking a key step in Ukraine’s economic recovery and strategic integration with the West.
A Shift Toward Equality and Transparency
According to Lana Zerkal, diplomat and member of the Ukraine Facility Platform Coordination Committee, the final version of the agreement differs significantly from its early drafts. Ukrainian negotiators successfully eliminated provisions that could have undermined national interests, creating a framework based on parity and transparent investment rules.
“There are no exclusive rights for American companies. All investors—foreign and domestic—will operate on equal terms,” Zerkal emphasized.
Key Terms of the US-Ukraine Mineral Agreement
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No exclusivity: American firms will not receive preferential access to Ukrainian mineral resources.
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Revenue sources: The US contribution will come from new military assistance, while Ukraine will allocate 50% of rent payments and license revenues from new mining projects.
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Investment focus: All funds will be invested exclusively in Ukrainian resources and infrastructure.
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Profit-sharing timeline: Parties may begin sharing profits only after 10 years from the start of a given project.
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Fund structure: The Reconstruction Investment Fund will be governed on a 50-50 basis, with three representatives each from Ukraine and the United States.
The American Development Finance Corporation, a co-founder of the fund, has called the deal “historic,” underlining that it represents a strategic commitment by the US to Ukraine’s long-term economic sovereignty and a direct geopolitical signal to Russia.
Addressing Criticism and Clarifying Security Context
Zerkal responded to critics who argued that the agreement lacks formal security guarantees, stating that security is ensured not through clauses, but through military aid and the financing of defense production.
“This agreement is not about security guarantees on paper—it’s about real investments and real commitments,” she said.
She also clarified that the finalized agreement does not include previous proposals tied to the idea of Ukraine "reimbursing" the US for past aid, a concept previously associated with statements by former President Donald Trump.
Strategic Importance and Broader Context
Ukrainian Ambassador to the US Oksana Markarova echoed the significance of the deal, describing it as an integral element of Ukraine’s broader economic and security partnership with Washington. The newly signed Minerals and Economic Partnership Agreement underscores shared priorities in energy independence, defense resilience, and strategic resource development.
“This is an equal partnership that strengthens both nations—economically and geopolitically,” said Markarova.
