**US Finalizes Ukraine Minerals Deal, Signing Possible Next Week**
The US has finished a minerals deal with Ukraine. The agreement could be signed as soon as next week.
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told Fox News on March 26 that the document is ready for Ukrainians to review. He hopes for full discussions and signatures next week.
**A Delayed Signing**
The original plan was to sign the agreement on February 28. However, a dispute between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House delayed the process.
**What’s in the Deal?**
The initial version of the deal would have established a fund where Ukraine contributes half of the money made from extracting state-owned resources like oil and gas. The country would also reinvest some of that money into its economy to promote safety, security, and prosperity.
However, this earlier version did not include security guarantees. A later approved version still doesn’t have those guarantees but emphasizes using the fund for Ukraine’s benefit.
**Background**
The US and Ukraine were initially discussing a deal where the US would own a Ukrainian power plant. Later, they discussed US assistance in restoring the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest nuclear facility.
**Why the Deal?**
The White House describes this minerals deal as a way for the US to get back some of the financial aid it has provided to Ukraine since Russia‘s invasion.