Key Insights from the US-Ukraine Resources Agreement

Sun Oct 19 2025 13:38:52 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A new deal between the US and Ukraine grants Washington access to Ukrainian natural resources, signaling a shift in assistance and economic collaboration.

The US and Ukraine have finalized a pivotal resources agreement, enabling investment in Ukraine’s natural resources while ensuring Ukrainian ownership remains intact. Key takeaways illustrate a lack of repayment demands, a commitment to reinvest profits in Ukraine, and an assurance that the deal will not hinder EU aspirations.

The United States and Ukraine have reached an agreement that paves the way for American access to some of Ukraine's natural resources amid ongoing conflict with Russia. This deal, which has taken months to negotiate, establishes an investment fund aimed at solidifying US support for Ukraine as it continues to defend itself after three years of war. Key points emerging from this development, as revealed through drafts and public statements, include several significant aspects.

Firstly, the agreement does not impose any payback conditions from Ukraine to the United States. Previously, former President Trump suggested that Ukraine owed a substantial sum for US aid since the war began, a notion firmly rejected by Ukrainian President Zelensky. In contrast, Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed that this latest deal contains no repayment expectations.

In addition to addressing potential financial obligations, the deal highlights the extensive mineral wealth of Ukraine, which Trump claims will provide greater returns for the US than the aid extended by his predecessor, Joe Biden. Notably, the agreement employs a more direct tone towards Russia, marking a departure from previous diplomatic language. A statement from the US Treasury explicitly condemns Russia's invasion, emphasizing that parties responsible for funding the war will not benefit from Ukraine's reconstruction.

Moreover, the agreement includes provisions for developing oil and gas projects alongside the previously discussed minerals. Importantly, Ukraine maintains ownership of these natural resources, granting the US joint access, a change from earlier drafts excluding such terms. This shift is viewed as a significant concession from Ukraine.

Concerns that the agreement might disrupt Ukraine’s ambitions to join the European Union have been addressed within the document itself. The US acknowledges Ukraine’s EU aspirations and ensures that the deal will not conflict with existing partnerships, pledging to engage in good faith renegotiations if necessary.

One intriguing aspect of the agreement is that all profits generated from the investment fund will be reinvested into Ukraine's economy for ten years. This may imply that the US will not see any financial returns during this initial period, with the expectation that the funding will aid in rebuilding efforts.

Additionally, the deal indicates a potential resumption of US military commitments to Ukraine. Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, who was present to sign the agreement, noted provisions for future US military assistance, including air defense systems that could be pivotal in the ongoing conflict.

However, as the situation unfolds, uncertainty remains regarding the level of commitment from the US, with no concrete security guarantees established in this new arrangement. While this deal may signify a deeper partnership, it leaves open questions about the future of US military assistance amid changing political dynamics.