In a major geopolitical and economic development, the United States and Ukraine signed a landmark rare earth minerals agreement on Wednesday, establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund—a strategic partnership aimed at accelerating Ukraine’s economic recovery and further entrenching America’s role in the region’s long-term stability.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent formally announced the deal in a social media address, framing it as a clear declaration to Moscow: America is standing firm with Ukraine. “Thanks to President Trump’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace,” Bessent said, “today’s historic economic partnership… will help accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery.” The message is unmistakable—economic security is not only national security, but it’s now a foreign policy weapon.
.@SecScottBessent on the minerals deal with Ukraine: "Our side is ready to sign. The Ukrainians decided last night to make some last-minute changes. We're sure that they will reconsider that and we are ready to sign this afternoon if they are." pic.twitter.com/U4Pp0i0Dzn
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 30, 2025
The deal was months in the making, and not without drama. A failed February meeting at the White House, where President Trump and Vice President JD Vance reportedly scolded Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, nearly derailed the process. But following Zelensky’s diplomatic reset—including an apology and a series of renewed technical discussions—the two sides returned to the table, culminating in this week’s agreement.
At its core, the agreement grants the United States access to key Ukrainian natural resources—aluminum, graphite, oil, and natural gas—vital for American industry and national defense. In exchange, Ukraine receives ongoing U.S. military assistance and a 10-year reconstruction commitment. According to the draft, this includes guarantees for infrastructure rebuilding, modernization, and industrial revitalization, all in response to the damage inflicted by Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation will play a central role, managing the newly established fund alongside the Ukrainian government. Despite some last-minute changes from Kyiv, Bessent made clear that the final alterations were minor and did not impact the deal’s strategic objectives.
Thanks to @POTUS @realDonaldTrump’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund to help… pic.twitter.com/N1jPa35DYh
— Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (@SecScottBessent) April 30, 2025
The timing is no coincidence. The agreement follows a deadly missile attack by Russia on Kyiv and arrives as President Trump marks 100 days in office. With the White House under pressure to show progress toward peace, the minerals deal signals a firm commitment to rebuilding Ukraine—not just through military aid but through sustained economic partnership.
Bessent didn’t mince words: “No state or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine.” This language signals a hardline stance against Russian-affiliated entities and underlines the deal’s geopolitical weight.