Tue Feb 25 07:17:30 UTC 2025: ## US and Ukraine Near Deal on Natural Resource Revenue Sharing, Amidst Russian Counter-Offer

**Washington D.C./Kyiv –** Negotiations between the United States and Ukraine are in the final stages for an agreement granting the U.S. a share of Ukraine’s natural resource revenues, potentially bringing President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House this week or next for signing. While both sides confirm the deal is nearing completion, the agreement’s terms have been a source of tension.

Initially proposed by Ukraine last September, the deal aimed to secure continued U.S. security guarantees. However, an earlier draft demanding 50% of Ukraine’s resource revenues without reciprocal security commitments was rejected by Kyiv. Zelensky argued it would impose an undue burden on future generations.

Subsequent negotiations have led to a more favorable version for Ukraine, though it still reportedly lacks the security guarantees Ukraine desperately needs amidst the ongoing Russian invasion. The White House clarified the economic agreement will not guarantee future military aid or the deployment of U.S. personnel. This discrepancy highlights differing views on the war’s resolution; Zelensky insists on Western backing for any peace deal, while President Trump advocates for a swift end to hostilities.

Adding another layer of complexity, Russia has presented a similar proposal to the U.S., offering access to its vast rare earth metal reserves, including those in occupied Ukrainian territory. President Putin highlighted the potential for lucrative business ventures with American companies, emphasizing Russia’s abundant resources.

Ukraine possesses significant reserves of graphite, lithium, titanium, and rare earth metals, estimated at 5% of the world’s critical raw materials. However, substantial resources, valued at $350 billion, remain in Russian-occupied territories. The U.S.’s interest in the deal stems from a desire to lessen reliance on China, which dominates global rare earth mineral production and has recently restricted exports to the U.S. The final terms of the U.S.-Ukraine agreement remain fluid, but a deal appears imminent.

Read More