**Ukraine and US Take Steps to Make Minerals Fund Operational by End of 2025**
The governments of Ukraine and the United States are working together to make a minerals fund operational by the end of this year. This was announced by Yulia Svyrydenko, First Deputy Prime Minister of Ukraine, during her visit to Washington.
**A Year in the Making**
The agreement on developing Ukraine’s mineral resources was signed by Svyrydenko in April after weeks of tough negotiations with US officials. The deal was heavily promoted by US President Donald Trump, and it marked a significant step towards ending Ukraine’s three-year-old war with Russia. The Ukrainian parliament then ratified the agreement.
**Meetings with US Officials**
Svyrydenko met with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and representatives of the Development Finance Corporation, which will be a partner in the minerals fund. She said that they discussed “very concrete steps” to make the fund operational by the end of this year.
**First Board Meeting in July**
The first board meeting of the minerals fund is expected to take place in July. At this meeting, officials will discuss the seed capital needed to start operating the fund and adopt an investment strategy for the next few years.
**A Step Towards Peace?**
The agreement on the minerals fund was critical in mending ties between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy. The two leaders met briefly at the Vatican in April, which helped to put their relations back on track.
**Commentary: A New Era of Cooperation?**
This development marks a significant step towards greater cooperation between Ukraine and the United States. By working together to develop Ukraine’s mineral resources, both countries can benefit economically and strategically. The success of this initiative could pave the way for further collaboration in other areas, potentially leading to a new era of peace and prosperity for the people of Ukraine.
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