Ukraine and U.S. Near Minerals Deal, Excluding Past Aid

Ukraine has confirmed that previous U.S. aid will not be factored into a minerals deal it seeks to finalize with Washington, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced on Sunday. In a post on Telegram, Shmyhal stated, "Agreements have been reached that the document does not count assistance provided before its signing."

Shmyhal, who visited the United States last week for the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings, noted "good progress" on the agreement following discussions with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. He emphasized that Ukraine had set clear boundaries, ensuring the deal would align with European obligations and remain consistent with the Ukrainian Constitution and legal standards. Legal teams from both sides are currently working to finalize the agreement.

U.S. National Security Adviser Mike Waltz expressed confidence in the negotiations, stating on Sunday that the deal "is going to get done."

The two nations initially signed a memorandum on April 18, marking the first step towards deeper cooperation on Ukraine’s mineral resources. The deal, strongly supported by U.S. President Donald Trump, aims to boost Ukraine’s critical mineral sector but faced delays earlier this year. A planned February signing was postponed after a tense Oval Office meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Securing access to Ukraine’s vast mineral wealth is seen as strategically important for the U.S., as global competition for critical resources intensifies. The agreement is also expected to support Ukraine's post-war economic recovery while reinforcing its ties with Western allies.