**US and Ukraine Agree on Rare Earth Minerals Deal**
The US and Ukraine have finalized a major deal that will give the US access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal announced this on Wednesday.
**What is in the deal?**
The agreement sets up an investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction, with Kyiv and Washington managing it equally. Ukraine will contribute 50% of future profits from state-owned mineral resources to the fund. The fund will then invest in projects within Ukraine.
**No Security Guarantee**
Despite initial hopes, the deal does not include a firm security guarantee from the US. Ukrainian President Zelensky had pushed for such a guarantee, but it has been dropped.
**US Aims to “Get Money Back”**
US President Donald Trump said the deal will allow the US to recover aid sent to Ukraine during the war with Russia. He claimed the US gave Ukraine between $300bn and $350bn in aid, although this figure could not be verified by BBC Verify analysis.
**When Will the Deal Be Signed?**
The US and Ukraine have prepared a final version of the agreement, which will be authorized for signing on Wednesday. Trump expects Zelensky to sign the deal during his visit to Washington on Friday.
**What Minerals Does Ukraine Have?**
Ukraine estimates that about 5% of the world’s “critical raw materials” are in the country. This includes significant deposits of titanium, lithium, and rare earth metals.
**How Has Russia Reacted?**
Russia has not yet commented on the deal, but President Vladimir Putin said his country has more resources than Ukraine and is ready to offer them in joint projects with the US.
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