**Ukraine and US Finalize Minerals Deal, Paving the Way for Joint Investment Fund**
In a major development, Ukraine has completed the ratification of a landmark agreement with the United States on critical minerals cooperation. The deal, signed by President Volodymyr Zelensky on May 12, marks the culmination of months-long negotiations between Kyiv and Washington.
The agreement, which establishes a Reconstruction Investment Fund jointly managed by Ukraine and the US, is aimed at deepening economic ties, boosting Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts, and positioning the country as a key supplier of strategic resources to the US. The fund will focus on developing Ukraine’s vast deposits of critical minerals such as lithium, titanium, and rare earth elements.
**A Long and Contentious Negotiation Process**
The signing of the deal comes after months of difficult talks that put a strain on relations between the two countries. Plans to sign the agreement in late February collapsed following a heated argument between Zelensky and US President Donald Trump. However, it appears that both sides have now reached a mutually acceptable agreement.
While details of the fund’s operational structure are still being kept under wraps, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal has hinted that future US military aid could be counted as contributions to the fund. However, he stressed that past assistance would not be included in the joint investment effort.
**A Step Forward for Ukraine’s Economy**
The ratification of the minerals deal is a significant step forward for Ukraine’s economy, which has been struggling to recover from the ongoing conflict with Russia. By positioning itself as a key supplier of strategic resources to the US, Ukraine can expect a boost in economic ties and investment.
While some experts have raised concerns that the agreement may not include explicit security guarantees from the US – a long-standing priority for Kyiv – it appears that both sides are willing to work together on a mutually beneficial arrangement.
**What’s Next?**
As the Reconstruction Investment Fund begins to take shape, it remains to be seen how effectively Ukraine and the US will be able to implement their joint investment strategy. With critical minerals in short supply globally, this agreement has the potential to unlock new economic opportunities for both countries.
One thing is certain: this deal marks a significant step forward in deepening economic ties between Ukraine and the US, and we can expect to see further developments on this front in the coming months.
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