Ukraine Finance Minister Marchenko: U.S., Ukraine have made progress on critical minerals deal, but won't seal deal this week

Ukraine Finance Minister Marchenko: U.S., Ukraine have made progress on critical minerals deal, but won't seal deal this week

Ukraine and the United States have made significant progress in their negotiations over critical minerals and natural resources, according to the latest statements from Ukrainian officials. On Thursday, Ukraine and the U.S. signed a "memorandum of intent" (MOI), which paves the way for a broader Economic Partnership Agreement and the establishment of an Investment Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine. This development comes after months of negotiations that were temporarily derailed by political tensions between the two countries' leaders.

The MOI was signed by Ukraine's first deputy prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, who emphasized the potential benefits for both countries. She stated that the Investment Fund will be an effective tool for attracting investments in Ukraine's reconstruction, modernizing infrastructure, supporting business, and creating new economic opportunities. Svyrydenko did not provide specific details of the MOI but expressed optimism about the progress made and the expected benefits.

The deal is part of a broader strategy by the U.S. to boost American business interests in Ukraine, which officials believe will help deter future Russian aggression. However, the agreement is contingent on Ukraine securing concrete military and security guarantees as part of the deal to halt the ongoing war.

While the MOI marks a step forward, Ukrainian officials have indicated that a final agreement will not be sealed this week. The negotiations are ongoing, and both sides are working towards securing a comprehensive deal that meets their respective interests.

This development highlights the importance of critical minerals in global geopolitics and the role of strategic partnerships in economic recovery and security. The MOI is a significant milestone in Ukraine's efforts to rebuild its infrastructure and economy, with the support of its international partners.

References:
[1] https://www.france24.com/en/europe/20250417-ukraine-us-natural-resources-minerals