US and Ukraine Sign Natural Resources Deal

The long-awaited "Economic Partnership" agreement including Ukraine's rare earth elements has been signed between the United States and Ukraine.

The U.S. Treasury Department announced that the long-debated agreement—one that had previously led to Zelensky being thrown out of the White House by Trump—has now been finalized.

Trump, who frequently emphasized that the U.S. had provided billions of dollars in military aid to Ukraine in the Russia-Ukraine war, had set his sights on Ukraine’s unique underground wealth to offset this support.

Entering the fourth year of the war and facing major difficulties, Ukraine has had to accept U.S. involvement in its underground resources.

The agreement grants the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rich and unique natural resources in return for past military and financial support.

Regarding the agreement for the establishment of a "U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund," the U.S. Treasury Department released the following statement:

"This economic partnership positions both countries to work and invest together to accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery by leveraging our shared assets, talents, and capabilities."

"Under the leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump, the Treasury Department and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will work with Ukraine to complete program management and advance this critical partnership."

SHOCK to the EU: One of the most striking remarks by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent—highlighting the EU's full exclusion from this process—was:

"No country or individual financing or supplying Russia’s war will be allowed to benefit from Ukraine’s reconstruction."

U.S. President Trump also shared his views on the rare earth elements agreement signed with Ukraine:

"The economic partnership signed with Ukraine to develop its natural resources can serve as a ‘security guarantee’ for Kyiv in its war against Russia."

While attending a ceremony for the late Pope in the Vatican, Trump recounted a private conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky—previously ousted from the White House—where the two sat alone on two chairs:

“If we can make a deal, it would be very good for you to sign it because Russia is much bigger and much stronger.”

That photo of Trump and Zelensky was the clearest signal yet that Ukraine would sign the rare earth elements agreement.

And Trump has achieved his goal of securing massive financial and strategic gains for his country.

Stating, “Russia is advancing rapidly; it’s a big and strong country—though not as strong as the U.S.,”  Trump was asked whether the agreement could “deter Russia.” His response: “Yes, it can.”

Source: Anadolu Agency