Zelenskyy Praises 'Equal' US-Ukraine Minerals Deal

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has praised a newly signed minerals deal with the United States as a 'truly equal partnership' that offers significant investment opportunities for Ukraine. The agreement, which underwent substantial changes during negotiations, establishes a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund to develop Ukraine's critical mineral resources, with profits to be reinvested exclusively in Ukraine for the first decade. While U.S. officials, including President Trump, initially framed the deal as a way to recoup wartime aid, both sides now emphasize that the arrangement is not linked to any past debt and involves no specific security guarantees. Instead, the partnership is designed to modernize Ukraine's industries and legal practices and to attract substantial U.S. investment. Kyiv hopes the deal, which still requires ratification by Ukraine's parliament, may eventually lead to stronger security commitments from Washington as the country continues to face Russian attacks. U.S. business interests argue that increased economic cooperation with Ukraine will help deter future Russian aggression.