Zelenskyy announces Ukraine's commitment to air defense fund with US

Ukraine and the United States have signed a mutually beneficial minerals agreement that not only supports investment in Ukraine's critical resources but also creates a framework for enhanced military cooperation, including air defense and reconstruction funding. President Zelenskyy emphasized the importance of more effective air defense, expressing readiness for air defense systems to be included in the investment fund established by the agreement. In parallel, the U.S. Department of State approved a potential $310 million sale of equipment and services to support Ukraine's F-16 fighter fleet, covering modernization, training, and maintenance. The minerals agreement and recent high-level meetings are seen by Ukrainian officials as opening the door to deeper defense negotiations and potentially renewed U.S. weapons deliveries. However, there are concerns about the quality and availability of U.S. military aid, with reports that Ukraine has received outdated Stinger MANPADS and that spare parts for certain aircraft are scarce or obsolete. Despite these challenges, both sides view the recent agreements as paving the way for further security cooperation and investment.