What we know about Trump’s Ukraine mineral deal | CNN

Key Aspects of the US-Ukraine Mineral Deal

The article details a recently signed agreement between the United States and Ukraine concerning natural resources. Negotiations were tense, with initial demands from US President Trump deemed too harsh by Ukraine's President Zelensky. The final deal is seen as more favorable to Ukraine.

Financial Terms

• Ukraine will not reimburse the US for previous aid.
• Future US military aid will be counted as investment in a joint reconstruction fund for Ukrainian natural resources.
• The US gains preferential access to mineral extraction, but Ukraine retains ownership of its subsoil and the final say in mining locations.
• Earnings and payments from the deal are tax-free for the US.
• The deal prioritizes new mining projects.

The deal includes oil, natural gas, gold, copper and other minerals beyond rare earths.

Geopolitical Context

• The deal acknowledges Russia as the aggressor in the ongoing conflict.
• The deal supports Ukraine's potential EU membership.

The US gains considerable economic advantage, described as a 'historic economic partnership' by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. It's viewed by some experts as a sign the Trump administration isn't abandoning Ukraine, due to the creation of US economic interests there.

Strategic Importance

Ukraine possesses significant deposits of critical minerals such as graphite, lithium, and uranium, vital for various industries, including clean energy and defense. Securing these resources is strategically important for the US, which currently relies heavily on imports for many critical minerals.