**US and Ukraine Making Progress on Mineral Agreement**
The US and Ukraine are getting closer to a deal that will strengthen their economic ties. This was announced by US Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, who represents Pennsylvania.
Fitzpatrick had a long and productive conversation with Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff to President Volodymyr Zelensky. He is confident that the deal will be finalized soon.
**What Does the Deal Mean?**
The mineral agreement will create a strong economic partnership between the US and Ukraine. This could lead to security assistance from the US. Other European countries are expected to contribute too, and they may face demands to do so.
Ukraine has vast reserves of lithium and other rare earth minerals that Western nations want. These resources are important for modern technologies like batteries, electronics, and defense applications.
**Previous Issues**
This comes after President Zelensky left the White House early without signing a mineral deal with the US in February. There was a tense confrontation between him and President Trump at the time.
Some US officials and Republican lawmakers have criticized Zelensky since then. They have even suggested he should resign. But Fitzpatrick’s announcement suggests that things are moving forward now.
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