^{Source: CEPA}

A Strategic Move: Ukraine and U.S. Set the Groundwork for Major Minerals Deal

On Thursday, Ukraine announced the signing of a "Memorandum of Intent" with the United States—a crucial first step toward what could become a multi-billion-dollar partnership to jointly explore and develop Ukraine’s vast natural resource reserves. While the finer points are still under wraps, the agreement signals a deepening economic alliance with high geopolitical and financial stakes.

What’s in the Memorandum?

Ukraine’s Minister of Economic Development and Trade, Yulia Svyrydenko, who also serves as Deputy Prime Minister, revealed that this initial document outlines the foundation for a future Economic Partnership Agreement between Kyiv and Washington. This comprehensive deal would include the establishment of an Investment Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine, with a particular focus on rare earth elements, critical minerals, oil, and natural gas.

“We are happy to announce the signing, with our American partners, of a Memorandum of Intent, which paves the way for an Economic Partnership Agreement,” Svyrydenko posted on X (formerly Twitter).
“There is a lot to do, but the current pace and significant progress give reason to expect that the document will be very beneficial for both countries.”

While she did not specify the financial scale of the investment, experts estimate that Ukraine's mineral wealth—particularly in lithium, titanium, and rare earths—could be worth over $11 trillion if fully developed.

The American Side: “A Big Deal is Coming”

U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at a press conference from the White House, said that the final version of the deal is expected to be signed next week, tentatively by Thursday, April 24 or Friday, April 26.

“Well, we have a minerals deal, which I guess is going to be signed next Thursday. Soon. And I assume they’re going to live up to the deal,” Trump said.
“So we’ll see. But we have a deal on that.”

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who appeared alongside Svyrydenko in photos signing the memorandum, confirmed that the document is nearly finalized and runs close to 80 pages. He also said the agreement builds on prior frameworks but now includes “substantial new provisions.”

“We’re still working on the details,” Bessent noted. “We went straight to the big deal, and that’s what will be signed.”

Strategic Importance and Political Context

President Trump has been vocal since the early days of his administration about leveraging Ukraine’s natural resources to offset the extensive $113 billion in U.S. aid provided during the war with Russia. By jointly extracting and monetizing these resources, both nations stand to gain economically while enhancing their geopolitical alignment.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also acknowledged the memorandum and emphasized the cooperative spirit behind the effort.

“This is a memorandum of intent. And we have positive, constructive intentions,” Zelenskyy said, as reported by Reuters.
He noted that it was the U.S. that proposed formalizing the memorandum prior to a full-scale agreement—an approach that will eventually require ratification by Ukraine’s parliament.

What Could This Deal Mean?

If the final agreement is signed next week as expected, it could trigger:

• Massive foreign investment in Ukrainian mining and energy sectors
• Job creation and industrial growth across central and eastern Ukraine
• Stronger U.S.-Ukraine economic and security ties, especially important in the post-war reconstruction era
• Greater control over rare earth supply chains, potentially reducing global dependence on China for critical minerals

Final Thoughts

Though just a first step, this memorandum reflects a clear intent to create a mutually beneficial partnership rooted in natural resource development and economic recovery. As the global demand for rare earth elements and critical minerals skyrockets—fueled by electric vehicles, semiconductors, and renewable energy technologies—Ukraine’s mineral-rich landscape offers a strategic goldmine for American investors and policymakers alike.

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