Ukraine to Hold High-Level Talks in Washington Over New U.S. Mineral Deal Proposal
Ukraine is sending a team to Washington to discuss a U.S. proposal that would give America access to its valuable minerals, gas, and oil reserves.
Ukraine will dispatch a high-level delegation to Washington next week to begin formal negotiations on a new U.S. proposal aimed at securing access to the country's vast mineral resources. Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko confirmed the talks in a statement Saturday, noting that the revised draft agreement submitted by the United States outlines a broader vision than previously expected.
“The new draft confirms America’s ongoing interest in creating a joint investment mechanism,” Svyrydenko said during a visit to northern Ukraine. The negotiating team will include officials from Ukraine’s Ministries of Economy, Justice, Foreign Affairs, and Finance.
The deal, which has been in development for months, comes at a critical moment in U.S.-Ukraine relations. A previous version of the agreement was expected to be signed earlier this year, but plans were abruptly delayed following a tense Oval Office meeting between President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
According to leaked details, the updated draft agreement from the U.S. includes not only rare-earth minerals but also key energy resources like gas and oil. Ukraine is home to more than 20 strategic minerals valued by the U.S., including titanium, lithium, and uranium. These resources are considered essential for sectors ranging from defense to green energy.
Critics of the deal have raised concerns over sovereignty, with some Ukrainian lawmakers accusing the U.S. of pushing for disproportionate control over strategic assets. The new draft has reportedly been written from the perspective of the U.S. Treasury’s legal team and does not yet reflect Ukraine’s position.
“What we currently have is a proposal that presents the U.S. side’s legal interpretation,” Svyrydenko said. “This is not a final version. It’s a starting point.”
The minister emphasized the need for face-to-face negotiations to finalize key terms and ensure the deal protects Ukraine’s economic interests. She confirmed that legal, financial, and technical advisors are being assembled to assist in the upcoming talks.
“This is a significant phase in our cooperation with the United States. The complexity of this deal demands a multidisciplinary approach,” she added.
A previous, unsigned framework agreement had outlined a jointly operated investment fund intended to support Ukraine’s postwar reconstruction. That version proposed allocating 50% of future revenue from national assets — including minerals and hydrocarbons — to the fund. However, it did not imply any transfer of ownership or control of Ukrainian resources to the U.S.
What remains unclear is how much authority Ukraine would retain under the newly expanded draft. Analysts familiar with the leaked proposal suggest Kyiv’s role in managing the investment fund may be minimal — a key issue Ukraine aims to challenge in the upcoming discussions.
Despite the friction, Ukrainian officials remain open to finalizing a mutually beneficial deal. Svyrydenko stressed that Ukraine is focused on reaching a version of the agreement that supports the nation’s recovery without compromising its sovereignty.
“We’re committed to negotiating terms that align with our national interests,” she said. “The earlier talks demonstrated that both sides can work together to achieve that balance. Now, it's time to build on that foundation.”
