**Ukraine’s Parliament Committee Gives Thumbs Up to US Minerals Deal**
In a significant development, Ukraine’s parliamentary committee on foreign policy has voted in favor of ratifying the minerals deal with the United States. This decision was announced by lawmaker Yaroslav Zhelezniak on May 6. The agreement, signed on April 30, sets up a joint investment fund between Kyiv and Washington, while also granting special access to US companies in projects related to Ukraine’s natural resources.
**What Does the Deal Entail?**
According to reports, the Reconstruction Investment Fund will be managed equally by both parties, with contributions coming from both sides. Earlier, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal hinted that future military aid from the US could count as part of these contributions, but made it clear that previous assistance would not be included.
**A Roadmap for Parliament’s Vote**
Before the parliament votes on ratifying the deal, Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko will hold separate meetings with lawmakers from each faction. These sessions, scheduled for May 6 and 7, will provide an opportunity for members of parliament to ask questions and learn more about the details of the agreement.
**A Complicated History**
The signing of this minerals deal has been a long time coming, following months of contentious negotiations between US and Ukrainian officials. The countries had initially planned to sign the agreement in late February but put it on hold after a high-profile argument between Presidents Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump.
**What’s Next?**
While the parliamentary committee has voted in favor of ratifying the deal, there are still several steps that need to be taken before the parliament votes on it. The finalized agreement avoids some elements from earlier drafts that experts deemed exploitative but does not provide concrete security guarantees from the US.
