After several weeks of questioning, criticism, an embarrassing meeting, false accusations, and even the freezing of military aid, the government of Donald Trump reached an agreement with Ukraine on Wednesday that will allow the United States to have preferential access to a wide range of critical minerals and natural resources from the European country, in an attempt to balance its ongoing support against Russian invasion.
The new agreement, called the “United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund”, was officially announced by both parties, although with few details about its specific operation.
The agreement represents a renewal of the US commitment to Ukraine, which was called into question after Trump’s arrival at the White House, granting access to strategic minerals in exchange for a guarantee of political and military support from Washington.
Trump went as far as blaming Ukraine for starting the war, which began with the invasion ordered by Vladimir Putin in February 2022, and more recently Russia had intensified the bombing of civilian areas, including the death of 12 people in the capital Kyiv.
How was the agreement reached on critical minerals?
The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral relations in a complex moment, as the war enters its fourth year without a clear resolution. From the U.S. side, it was emphasized that the agreement represents a strong signal to Moscow. “This agreement is a clear message to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process focused on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine in the long term,” stated Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
President Trump, who has repeatedly expressed his impatience with the prolonged conflict, referred to the agreement as a way to protect the economic interests of his country. In an interview with the NewsNation program on Wednesday night, he pointed out that “in theory,” the United States will benefit more than what it has contributed to Ukraine. “I wanted to be protected,” he declared, adding that he did not want to appear “foolish” by not recovering the investment.
What are the critical minerals?
From Kiev, the agreement is seen as a crucial tool to ensure the continuity of US military and economic support.
The Prime Minister of Ukraine, Denys Shmyhal, emphasized that this is a long-term strategy with a direct impact on the country’s reconstruction. "It is truly an international, fair, and good agreement on joint investment in the development and restoration of Ukraine between the governments of the United States and Ukraine," he stated.
On the other hand, the Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, traveled to Washington to finalize the terms of the treaty. In a publication made after the signing, she indicated that the fund will be used to attract global investment to Ukraine, an essential step for its economic recovery and future stability.
In the initial stages of the negotiation, Ukraine objected to certain clauses of the original draft that it considered excessively biased in favor of the United States. As a result, provisions were incorporated that better balance the benefits for both parties.
The United States’ interest in Ukrainian minerals focuses on more than twenty strategic raw materials, including oil, natural gas, titanium, uranium, lithium, graphite, and manganese. These elements are essential for industries such as aerospace, energy, and the manufacturing of batteries for electric vehicles.
Trump is pushing for a quick ceasefire
Despite diplomatic progress, tensions on the ground persist. Trump has expressed criticism towards both Volodymyr Zelensky, as he believes he has not made key concessions such as the cession of Crimea, and recent unusual reproaches towards Vladimir Putin for intensifying attacks on Kyiv.
The Kremlin, for its part, has not closed the door to dialogue. Dmitry Peskov, Moscow’s official spokesperson, stated that Putin is willing to consider a ceasefire, although first, “questions and nuances” must be resolved. He also emphasized that Russia would be open to direct talks with Ukraine without preconditions.