How Did the World React to U.S.-Ukraine Minerals Deal?
The historic U.S.-Ukraine minerals agreement, signed in Washington on April 30, has sparked diverse international reactions, highlighting both optimism and concern over its long-term implications, The Gaze reports.
While the deal is widely seen as a political and economic win for Kyiv and Washington, some European voices are urging caution.
The European Commission welcomed the deal, highlighting its consistency with Ukraine’s path to EU membership:
“The Commission welcomes the U.S. commitment to invest with Ukraine in a free, sovereign, and secure country,” a spokesperson said.
They noted that the agreement includes provisions to avoid conflicts with Ukraine’s Association Agreement and Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area with the EU.
“Faced with Russia’s unprovoked war, the EU, the U.S., and all our allies must continue supporting Ukraine in its pursuit of a just and lasting peace… while addressing its urgent and medium-term needs,” the Commission added.
Franziska Brantner, leader of Germany’s Green Party also welcomed Ukraine’s success in negotiations but warned about the lack of security guarantees:
“It remains to be seen whether the agreement will protect Ukraine’s interests and effectively support its aspirations for peace and freedom,” she said, noting that Ukraine “at first glance” is not repaying U.S. aid with raw materials.
“The sovereignty and existence of a country cannot have a price—especially while Russian bombs continue to fall,” Brantner added, calling on Europe to support Ukraine “with full force.”
She also criticized Donald Trump, saying he “is trying to establish a deal-making policy in Europe where the law of the strongest prevails.
In contrast, the UK offered firm support for the agreement. David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary, stated:
“The UK welcomes steps taken by the US and Ukraine to sign an economic partnership. The UK’s support for Ukraine remains steadfast. With our 100-year partnership, we are deepening economic and security ties for the future generations of both of our countries.”
Responding from Washington, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt hailed the deal as a historic achievement:
“We secured a historic agreement to establish the United States–Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. This is a first-of-its-kind economic partnership for the reconstruction and long-term economic success of Ukraine that the United States will greatly benefit from.”
She added, “This partnership represents the United States taking an economic stake in securing a free, peaceful and sovereign future for Ukraine.”
Meanwhile, in Russia, Security Council Deputy Chair Dmitry Medvedev reacted with his trademark bombast, denouncing the deal in a Telegram post as a supposed humiliation for Ukraine:
“Trump has finally broken the Kyiv regime into paying for American aid with minerals… Now they will have to pay for military supplies with the national wealth of a disappearing country.”
As usual, the Kremlin’s claims distort reality. In truth, the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal is a landmark in post-war reconstruction and global cooperation — positioning Ukraine not as a “disappearing country,” but as a future leader in the supply of critical raw materials essential to the world economy.
Under the deal, U.S. investors gain priority access to Ukrainian projects involving critical raw materials such as aluminum, graphite, oil, and natural gas. A joint reconstruction investment fund will receive the revenues, with full Ukrainian ownership and no debt obligations involved.
As The Gaze previously reported, the US and Ukraine have finalized a landmark agreement granting Washington privileged access to Kyiv’s natural resources, in a move aimed at reinforcing bilateral ties and sustaining American engagement in Ukraine’s post-war recovery efforts.