KYIV, UKRAINE — Ukraine and the United States have reached a historic agreement that will have far-reaching economic benefits for both countries. The deal, which includes access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, has been in the works for months and is set to be signed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and President Donald Trump in the coming days.
According to three senior Ukrainian officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, the agreement will provide Ukraine with much-needed access to the U.S. market for its rare earth minerals. This is a major win for Ukraine, as these minerals are crucial for the production of high-tech products such as smartphones, electric cars, and military equipment.
The agreement also includes plans for Zelenskyy to travel to Washington to meet with Trump, where they will discuss continued military aid to Ukraine. This is a crucial aspect of the deal for Kyiv, as it will ensure the continued flow of U.S. military support that Ukraine urgently needs in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
President Trump, speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, expressed his support for the agreement, saying, “I’ve heard that Ukrainian President Zelenskyy is coming and it’s OK with me if he’d like to sign it together with me.” He also added that the deal could be worth up to 1 trillion dollars, highlighting the significant economic benefits for both countries.
While some technical details are still being worked out, the draft of the agreement does not include a contentious proposal from the Trump administration to give the U.S. $500 billion worth of profits from Ukraine’s rare earth minerals as compensation for its wartime assistance to Kyiv. Instead, the two countries will have joint ownership of a fund, with Ukraine contributing 50% of future proceeds from state-owned resources, including minerals, oil, and gas.
This deal is a major victory for Ukraine, as it secures better terms of investment and favorable amendments for Kyiv. The Ukrainian officials involved in the negotiations view the outcome as “positive” and believe it will have a significant impact on the country’s economy.
However, the agreement does not include security guarantees, which is something that the two presidents will discuss when they meet. This is an important issue for Ukraine, as it continues to face aggression from Russia and seeks to strengthen its defenses.
The progress in negotiating this deal comes after a period of tense rhetoric between Trump and Zelenskyy. Last week, the two leaders traded sharp words over their differences on the matter. However, significant progress was made during a visit to Ukraine by retired Lieutenant General Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy to Ukraine and Russia.
The idea for this agreement was initially proposed by Zelenskyy last fall as part of his plan to strengthen Kyiv’s hand in future negotiations with Moscow. This deal not only benefits Ukraine economically but also serves as a strategic move in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
The signing of this agreement will mark a new chapter in the relationship between Ukraine and the United States. It is a testament to the strong partnership between the two countries and their commitment to working together for mutual benefit.
In conclusion, the agreement between Ukraine and the United States is a significant step forward for both countries. It will provide Ukraine with much-needed access to the U.S. market for its rare earth minerals and ensure continued military support from the U.S. It is a positive development that will have a significant impact on the economy of Ukraine and strengthen its position in negotiations with Russia. This deal is a testament to the strong partnership and friendship between Ukraine and the United States and sets the stage for even closer cooperation in the future.
