Thu May 08 14:02:39 UTC 2025: ## Ukraine Ratifies US Minerals Deal, Hoping to Boost Military Aid
**Kyiv, Ukraine** – The Ukrainian parliament unanimously ratified a landmark economic partnership agreement with the United States on Thursday, granting the US priority access to Ukrainian minerals in exchange for investment in Ukraine’s reconstruction and the hope of renewed military support.
The deal, signed late April, was approved despite some legislators’ concerns about a lack of specifics regarding the governance and funding of a new reconstruction fund. First Vice Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko addressed these concerns, stating the agreement, which she called “the foundation of a new model of interaction with a key strategic partner,” would be fully operational within weeks. She emphasized a 50/50 management structure ensuring equitable control and decision-making by consensus.
Svyrydenko also highlighted the deal’s lack of debt provisions, a significant concession from the US, relieving Ukraine of pressure to repay billions of dollars in previous military aid. This achievement comes after initial tense negotiations between Presidents Zelenskyy and Trump in February.
While Kyiv initially sought direct security guarantees from the US in exchange for mineral access, Washington opted instead for a strategy focusing on bolstering its economic interests in Ukraine as a deterrent against further Russian aggression. The Ukrainian government hopes this deal will revitalize US support and deter future Russian attacks.
First Piper 