US, Ukraine Strike Minerals Deal Amid War Talks

The United States and Ukraine have signed a landmark agreement granting the US access to Ukrainian minerals in return for reconstruction aid and investment, which President Zelenskyy described as an equal and debt-free partnership. Despite intensified diplomatic efforts, US Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have stated the Ukraine war is unlikely to end soon, emphasizing that negotiations are now primarily between Russia and Ukraine. The US has warned it may withdraw as mediator if no substantive peace proposals emerge, amid growing frustration and the recent removal of key Trump adviser Mike Waltz. Moscow has rejected a US-backed ceasefire proposal that did not acknowledge its territorial gains, while Ukraine refuses to cede any territory. High-level diplomatic talks have taken place at the Vatican and in Moscow, but fighting and civilian casualties persist on both sides. The US-Ukraine minerals deal is expected to undergo expedited ratification in Kyiv, with hopes it will attract further international support for Ukraine's recovery.