**Ukraine and US Sign Landmark Minerals Deal, Marking First Fruit of Zelensky-Trump Meeting**
In a significant development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has hailed the signing of a long-awaited minerals deal between Ukraine and the United States as the first concrete result of his meeting with US President Donald Trump in the Vatican. The agreement, signed on April 30 by Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, marks a major breakthrough in bilateral relations.
The signing of the minerals deal follows a tense encounter between Zelensky and Trump at St. Peter’s Basilica on April 26, during which the Ukrainian leader reportedly pressed Trump to revisit his original proposal for an unconditional ceasefire as the starting point for peace talks with Russia. This move was welcomed by Kyiv but rejected by Moscow.
The discussion marked the first in-person meeting between the two leaders since their contentious encounter at the Oval Office in February. During that meeting, Trump and Vice President JD Vance sharply criticized Zelensky over what they described as a “lack of gratitude for US support.”
However, the recent agreement has been significantly revised to ensure equal terms and benefits for both sides, according to Zelensky. The deal creates a reconstruction-focused fund operated by a limited partnership between the US International Development Finance Corporation and Ukraine’s Agency for Supporting Public-Private Partnership.
The future fund will be financed exclusively from new licenses, with 50% of revenues generated after its creation directed towards it. The minerals deal also ensures compliance with Ukrainian and EU laws, addressing earlier concerns about sovereignty and conflicts with existing EU agreements. Notably, Ukrainian officials have succeeded in removing any repayment obligations for past US military aid.
The agreement now awaits ratification by Ukraine’s parliament, with opposition MP Yaroslav Zhelezniak indicating that it could be voted on during parliamentary sessions between May 13-15, if all procedures are completed in time. While the deal does not contain security guarantees, Svyrydenko has hinted that additional assistance, including air defense systems for Ukraine, may be provided.
Zelensky has hailed the agreement as “a partnership on fair terms” and expressed optimism that it could attract further American support. He added that the minerals deal was just one of several outcomes expected from his talks with Trump in the Vatican.
**Commentary and Analysis**
The signing of this landmark minerals deal between Ukraine and the US marks a significant shift in bilateral relations, following the tumultuous encounter at the Oval Office in February. While the agreement does not contain security guarantees, it demonstrates a commitment to cooperation and fair terms between the two nations.
Moreover, the removal of repayment obligations for past US military aid is a crucial concession that reflects Ukrainian officials’ efforts to secure equal benefits from the deal. The creation of a reconstruction-focused fund will undoubtedly have significant implications for Ukraine’s economic development and modernization.
However, some observers may question whether this agreement marks a genuine departure from previous arrangements or simply represents a cosmetic overhaul to appease Ukrainian concerns. As such, it is essential to monitor the implementation of this deal and its potential impact on bilateral relations between Ukraine and the US.
Ultimately, the successful ratification of this minerals deal by Ukraine’s parliament will be crucial in determining its long-term significance for the country’s economic prospects and its relationship with the international community.
