On Wednesday, the United States and Ukraine announced a new fund aimed at reconstruction and investment, formally establishing an economic agreement between the two nations that will allow the U.S. to access some of Ukraine’s rare earth mineral reserves.
This deal wraps up months of challenging discussions about whether the U.S. will keep providing economic and military aid to Ukraine as it seeks to negotiate an end to its conflict with Russia. The agreement is designed to assure Ukraine of security while addressing President Trump’s worries that the U.S. may be giving Kyiv unchecked support.
“This agreement sends a clear message to Russia that the Trump administration is dedicated to a peace process focused on a free, sovereign, and thriving Ukraine for the long haul,” said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a statement. “President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American and Ukrainian people to demonstrate both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine.”
He also emphasized: “To be explicit, no state or individual that has funded or equipped the Russian war machine will profit from Ukraine’s reconstruction.”
