The United States and Ukraine have officially signed a minerals and reconstruction fund deal. Ukraine’s vast reserves of rare minerals in exchange for American-led investment in the war-torn country’s reconstruction.
The deal was finalized Wednesday in Washington, D.C., marking a major economic and diplomatic milestone in the Trump administration’s ongoing push for peace and post-war recovery in Eastern Europe.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the creation of the United States–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. He called it a “historic economic partnership” that demonstrates America’s commitment to peace and prosperity in Ukraine.
“Thanks to President Trump’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement,” Bessent said. “This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term.”
The agreement gives the U.S. strategic access to more than 20 critical raw materials, including titanium, uranium, lithium, graphite, and manganese. These resources are considered vital for national defense, aerospace manufacturing, nuclear energy, and electric vehicle production.
The deal also establishes a joint investment fund, co-financed by both nations but without a majority vote from either side. It will last for 10 years and be overseen by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. Only new U.S. military aid will count toward the American contribution.
Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who signed the deal in Washington, explained that the agreement would not interfere with Ukraine’s path to European Union membership. She also confirmed that Ukraine will maintain control over where and how its natural resources are extracted.
The partnership nearly collapsed earlier this year after a tense meeting in February between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Trump, and Vice President JD Vance. The talks soured after Vance accused Zelenskyy of being disrespectful during the Oval Office meeting. However, both sides returned to the negotiating table in recent weeks to finalize the terms.
President Trump had previously stated that future U.S. support for Ukraine would depend on fair returns, specifically access to the country’s valuable mineral assets, as a form of reimbursement for the billions of dollars in military aid the U.S. has already provided.
“No country or individual who helped Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine can benefit from the country’s reconstruction,” Bessent said, reiterating the administration’s zero-tolerance stance toward those aligned with Moscow.
The deal arrives as the Trump administration continues to pursue a broader peace agreement to end the three-year war between Ukraine and Russia, framing economic recovery and strategic cooperation as key steps toward regional stability.