**Ukraine and US Reach Agreement on Minerals Deal**
Ukraine has agreed to a minerals deal with the United States. The agreement was reached after negotiations that had sparked tensions between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump.
According to reports, Ukraine will contribute 50% of the proceeds from the “future monetization” of state-owned mineral resources to a joint fund. This includes oil, gas, and related logistics. The fund will invest in projects within Ukraine.
The deal does not include security guarantees from the US, which was one of the main sticking points. Earlier demands by the US for a $500 billion claim over Ukraine’s natural resources have also been dropped.
**What’s Next?**
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is expected to visit Washington soon to sign the deal. The signing ceremony could take place as early as February 28.
The agreement has been framed by Ukraine as a way to strengthen ties with the US. However, tensions between Trump and Zelensky had risen in the past week over the negotiations.
**Other Developments**
In other news, Hungary is demanding that eight individuals be removed from the EU’s Russia sanctions list before agreeing to renew restrictions. Four children are among those injured in recent clashes in Ukraine.
The UK has announced a significant increase in defense spending, with reconstruction costs for Ukraine estimated at 2.8 times higher than its nominal GDP for 2024.