US and Ukraine form mineral fund, security guarantees excluded
The United States and Ukraine have reached an agreement on a joint investment fund for Ukrainian mineral resources. "The New York Times" reports that the final version of the agreement does not include explicit security guarantees from the United States.
What do you need to know?
- Minerals agreement: The United States and Ukraine signed a deal to create the American-Ukrainian Investment Fund for reconstruction.
- Purpose of the agreement: The agreement aims to strengthen relations between the countries and demonstrate the US commitment to Ukraine's long-term peace and prosperity.
- Lack of guarantees: The agreement does not include explicit security guarantees from the United States.
What are the key elements of the agreement?
The United States and Ukraine announced the signing of an agreement that provides for the creation of a joint investment fund. The goal is to share future revenues from Ukrainian mineral resources. The Trump administration announced the agreement's conclusion after months of tough negotiations.
The US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, emphasized that the agreement signals to Russia that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process aimed at ensuring Ukraine's freedom, sovereignty, and prosperity. "President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine," Bessent noted.
Lack of key guarantees
As "The New York Times" reveals, the agreement does not include guarantees regarding security from the US.
Nevertheless, supporters of the agreement hope it can change President Trump's perception of Ukraine. So far, Ukraine has often seemed like an obstacle to improving relations with Russia.
Individuals familiar with the negotiations, who wished to remain anonymous, indicated to "The New York Times" that the lack of guarantees was a deliberate move by the US. Nonetheless, the agreement may have limited significance if the conflict with Russia persists.
Ukrainian media on the agreement
The bilateral agreement defines the political parameters of cooperation between the two governments in the exploitation of natural resources, the sale of minerals, and the US aid that Ukraine will receive in the future. However, many details, including those of political significance, will be determined in a "technical agreement" that is not yet ready, reports the European Pravda portal.
The agreement signed on Wednesday is only 12 pages long. In comparison, the draft document provided to Ukraine by the US in March was over 90 pages long, written in the same font.
Importantly, the document does not subordinate Ukraine to the American legal system, and disputes will be resolved on a parity basis through consultations, claims European Truth.
The US contribution will include new arms supplies for the Ukrainian military. "If [the US government] provides the Ukrainian government with new military assistance in any form—including the transfer of weapons systems, ammunition, technology, or training—the capital contribution of the United States shall be deemed increased by the estimated value of such military assistance," the agreement states.
