The Kyiv Independent reported that it obtained the detailed text of a mineral deal agreement between the United States and Ukraine. This development comes after Kyiv and Washington reached an agreement on February 25. Recent negotiations have heightened tensions between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Reports suggest that the U.S. initially proposed three options, with Ukraine rejecting the first two due to the absence of security guarantees. Despite this, pressure from Washington increased. Zelensky is anticipated to visit Washington soon for a potential signing ceremony, which could occur as early as February 28, according to a senior Ukrainian official. In a February 26 interview with Suspilne, Zelensky confirmed governmental approval of the deal, though he noted the lack of security assurances. He emphasized the importance of the partnership being Ukrainian-American, rather than solely American.
The agreement outlines the creation of a Reconstruction Investment Fund, which will be subject to further clarification through a subsequent Fund Agreement necessitating ratification by Ukraine’s parliament. The document stresses the U.S. and Ukraine’s commitment to mutual investment in Ukraine’s reconstruction and the overall goal of achieving lasting peace. It emphasizes Ukraine’s past contributions to international security through the relinquishment of its nuclear arsenal and aims to prevent any entities that have opposed Ukraine during the conflict from benefiting from its reconstruction.
The Fund will manage revenues from Ukraine’s natural resources and infrastructure projects, with contributions reinvested annually within Ukraine. The U.S. plans to maintain a long-term financial commitment to Ukraine’s economic stability, pending development under U.S. law. Both nations aim for the Fund’s investment processes to generate capital necessary for Ukraine’s recovery efforts and are committed to avoiding conflicts with existing international agreements. The finalization of the Fund Agreement is prioritized, which will further define the implementation of this bilateral accord.
Read the full text here.