Ukraine and US to Finalize Minerals Deal
On April 17, Ukraine and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding signaling their commitment to finalize a future Economic Partnership Agreement (“Minerals deal”), The Gaze reports, citing First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko.
Technical negotiations have already made significant progress, with both sides aiming to finalize the agreement by April 26, 2025. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal is expected in Washington the week of April 21 to support the final stage of talks.
“Today we took a step towards a joint Economic Partnership Agreement with the United States,” Svyrydenko wrote on Facebook. “Ukraine and the United States have signed a Memorandum that confirms the constructive joint work of our teams and our intention to finalize and conclude an agreement that will be beneficial to both our nations.”
The memorandum lays the groundwork for the creation of a Fund for Investment in the Reconstruction of Ukraine. According to Svyrydenko, the initiative will unlock opportunities for significant investment, infrastructure modernization, and a stronger bilateral partnership.
“It is important that we confirm with our agreements the desire of the American people to invest together with the Ukrainian people in a free, sovereign and secure Ukraine,” she added.
The memorandum lays the groundwork for the creation of a Fund for Investment in the Reconstruction of Ukraine, a key element of the agreement aimed at supporting Ukraine’s post-war recovery, unlocking private capital, and modernizing critical infrastructure. It also underscores the U.S. commitment to align the deal with Ukraine’s European integration efforts and international financial obligations.
Beyond the economic focus, the document reaffirms both countries’ dedication to a lasting peace and acknowledges Ukraine’s past contributions to global security—particularly its decision to relinquish the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal.
The next steps include finalizing the agreement text, signing the deal, and pursuing ratification by both nations’ parliaments.
As The Gaze previously reported, the United States has softened its demands for Ukraine to repay wartime aid as the two countries move forward in negotiations over a potential economic partnership, according to sources familiar with the talks.