Ukraine and the United States have signed a memorandum of intent. This is a preliminary step towards a broader agreement on developing Ukraine's mineral resources. The deal was promoted by US President Donald Trump.
Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's first deputy prime minister and economy minister, announced the signing on social media. She stated that it paves the way for an Economic Partnership Agreement. It also establishes the Investment Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine.
Trump has advocated for a deal granting the US privileged access to Ukraine's natural resources and critical minerals. He views this as repayment for US military aid to Ukraine under former President Joe Biden. The signing of the broader agreement is anticipated soon.