US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukrainian Vice Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko Photo:[Yulia Svyrydenko via Facebook/via Reuters]
The United States and Ukraine have signed a wide-reaching economic agreement granting Washington preferential access to Ukraine’s untapped natural resources in exchange for sustained military and financial support, thewatch.ng reports.
Finalised on Wednesday in Washington, D.C., after weeks of intense negotiations, the deal is aimed at reinforcing America’s long-term commitment to Ukraine as the Russian invasion stretches into its fourth year.
The agreement was signed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukraine’s Vice Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. It provides the U.S. with priority rights to new Ukrainian licenses for the extraction of minerals, including critical materials, oil, and gas. In return, Washington commits to ongoing military assistance and investment in Ukraine’s defence and infrastructure reconstruction.
Calling the deal “historic,” Bessent said it sends a clear message to Moscow that the U.S. remains firmly behind Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and stability.
Although full details remain undisclosed, Ukrainian officials insist the country retains ownership and control of its resources. Extraction and licensing decisions will be made in Kyiv, while the U.S. will participate through a jointly managed development fund.
Ukraine’s Ministry of Economy confirmed that Washington’s financial contribution—either as direct support or in the form of military aid—will be matched by Ukraine. The country also pledged 50% of future revenues from newly licensed resource exploitation toward the fund. Svyrydenko indicated that additional U.S. support may include crucial air defense systems amid persistent Russian missile and drone attacks.
Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal described the deal as “good, equal, and beneficial for both sides,” adding that Ukraine is under no obligation to repay previous U.S. military aid. This provision marks a significant achievement for Kyiv, particularly after former President Donald Trump—who has backed the agreement—argued Ukraine should repay the $350 billion he claims was spent on defense support. Official Pentagon records, however, place that figure closer to $182.8 billion from 2022 to 2024.
While the agreement strengthens Ukraine’s defense capabilities and financial support, it does not include U.S. security guarantees—something President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has repeatedly called essential before engaging in any peace talks with Russia.
“This isn’t a security guarantee,” said Anatol Lieven, Eurasia Program Director at the Quincy Institute, speaking to Al Jazeera, “but it’s a signal that military assistance is back on the table in a serious way.”
Although the Ukrainian Cabinet has approved the deal, it must still be ratified by Ukraine’s parliament before it can be implemented.
