US-Ukraine Minerals Deal: A New Agreement Amidst Ongoing Conflict

Sat Oct 25 2025 02:36:30 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Ukraine secures revised terms with the US on mineral resources following pressure from the Trump administration.

As the conflict enters its fourth year, Ukraine's agreement to share mineral revenues with the US reflects a significant shift in negotiations, focusing on critical resources and economic stability.

Ukraine has reached a tentative agreement regarding the transfer of some mineral resource revenues to the United States, aided by intense pressure from President Trump. Officials from both Ukraine and the US confirmed the discussions that took place on Tuesday. Here’s what we have learned about the evolving deal.

**Terms of the Agreement**

While final financial specifics remain unclear, a draft reviewed on Tuesday notably omitted a controversial demand for Ukraine to contribute a staggering $500 billion to a US-controlled fund, as well as a clause requiring Ukraine to reimburse double the future US aid it receives. The existing draft stipulates that Ukraine will now allocate half of its revenues from the future monetization of natural resources—encompassing critical minerals, oil, and gas—to a fund where the US will hold the maximum permissible financial interest under its laws.

**Security Guarantees**

Ukrainian President Zelensky has consistently sought security assurances in exchange for the mineral rights amidst the ongoing conflict with Russia. However, recent drafts lack any commitment regarding these security guarantees, raising concerns about Ukraine's defense posture as the war continues.

**Approval Process**

The latest translated draft of the agreement reached Ukraine on Tuesday. The plan is for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and his Ukrainian counterpart to sign the initial agreement, after which President Zelensky is expected to visit Washington for a formal signing ceremony with President Trump.

**What’s at Stake?**

Ukraine boasts control over more than 100 key deposits of critical minerals, as outlined in a report by the Kyiv School of Economics. These resources include substantial reserves of titanium and lithium—essential for various industries, including construction and electric vehicles. The country also possesses the largest uranium reserves in Europe, fundamental for nuclear energy. Despite the ongoing conflict, these assets remain vital for both national and global markets, particularly in high-tech applications and renewable energy.

Reporting by Constant Méheut, Andrew E. Kramer, Maria Varenikova, and Alan Rappeport.