Ukraine is moving forward with a revised deal that lets the United States collect a portion of its mineral revenue, following pressure from President Trump. This marks a significant shift as the draft no longer requires Ukraine to pay a hefty $500 billion upfront or repay double any future U.S. aid—a demand that alarmed many officials.
Under the new draft, Ukraine will contribute half of its mineral resource revenues, such as rare earth minerals, oil, and gas. The exact financial implications remain to be clarified. The U.S. will hold a financial interest in a newly established fund but won’t own it outright, as per American laws.
President Zelensky has pushed for stronger security guarantees amid the ongoing war with Russia, yet current drafts do not include such commitments, a point of concern.
Expected to finalize soon, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukraine’s finance counterpart will likely sign ahead of a pivotal meeting where President Zelensky and Trump will finalize the agreement.
Ukraine sits atop significant mineral resources critical to various industries. From titanium—which plays a role in construction and medical implants—to lithium for electric vehicle batteries, these resources are vital as Ukraine navigates its economic and geopolitical landscape while under threat from Russia.
