Ukraine nears landmark minerals pact with U.S. amid war

Ukraine is on the verge of signing a pivotal mineral resources agreement with the United States in Washington, a move that could play a strategic role in both countries' geopolitical and economic interests as Ukraine continues to defend itself against Russia’s invasion.

Two senior Ukrainian officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed that Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko is in Washington finalising the technical details of the deal.

The agreement - seen as critical to Ukraine’s hopes of securing future military aid - will include a primary accord and at least two supplementary technical agreements that lay out the operational structure of a joint mineral fund.

Ukraine possesses valuable mineral deposits, including titanium, lithium, uranium, graphite, and manganese - key ingredients in industries ranging from aerospace to electric vehicles and nuclear energy. The U.S. has expressed keen interest, especially in rare earth elements, with former President Donald Trump reportedly linking continued American support to access to these critical resources.

The Ukrainian Cabinet is expected to approve the agreement’s text before the formal signing, with subsequent ratification required by Ukraine’s parliament. Negotiations, which had hit a rough patch following a tense Oval Office meeting earlier this year, have since progressed, with Kyiv introducing provisions to ensure a more balanced deal after early drafts heavily favoured U.S. interests.

Sources close to the talks say the updated agreement includes more detailed commitments and operational clarity, offering Kyiv greater assurance. Ukrainian officials say they are generally satisfied with the final version and hope Washington introduces no further changes.

Meanwhile, tensions remain high on the battlefield. A Russian drone assault on Kharkiv, Ukraine’s second-largest city, injured at least 45 civilians, as reported by Ukrainian officials. The United Nations noted a spike in civilian casualties, with 2,641 verified between January and March 2025 -around 900 more than the same period in 2024. Civilian harm surged 46% in April alone compared to last year.

In Moscow, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov acknowledged the complexity of reaching a peace settlement and stated that President Vladimir Putin is open to direct negotiations but wants specific questions addressed before committing to a ceasefire. Meanwhile, U.S. officials expressed frustration at the slow pace of diplomacy.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly urged both Kyiv and Moscow to present clear proposals for ending the war. "If there is no progress, we will step back as mediators," said State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce, quoting Rubio.

Russia, however, has dismissed a proposed 30-day ceasefire, demanding that Ukraine halt mobilisation efforts and the West stop supplying arms. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov suggested Ukraine’s calls for a truce were driven by battlefield setbacks.

On the offensive front, Ukraine’s Security Service claimed its drones struck a military production facility in Russia’s Vladimir region, causing explosions and a fire. The plant reportedly manufactures components for Russia’s Navy and Air Force. These claims remain unverified.