The United States and Ukraine have agreed to a major economic partnership after months of difficult talks. This deal gives the U.S. special access to Ukraine’s critical mineral resources, which are important for technology, clean energy, and defense. In return, both countries will put money into a shared investment fund to support Ukraine’s growth and recovery.

Talks began when President Donald Trump returned to office in January. Early versions of the deal asked Ukraine to repay past U.S. military aid, but that demand was removed. Now, future aid will be counted as part of America’s contribution to the joint investment fund.

President Trump said the deal protects U.S. interests and gives more value than the claimed $350 billion in aid. However, experts say the real amount of aid since 2022 is closer to $120 billion.

Ukraine’s Economy Minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, made it clear that Ukraine still owns and controls its mineral resources. “All resources on our land and in our waters belong to Ukraine,” she said.

There were last-minute problems with paperwork, but the agreement was finalized in Washington. Ukraine’s Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said the deal is fair and helps Ukraine develop.

The U.S. Treasury now refers to the war as “Russia’s full-scale invasion” and said this agreement is a strong message of support for Ukraine. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called it a “historic economic partnership.”

The deal includes plans to create a joint fund with equal money from both countries. Future U.S. military aid might also count as part of this investment.

Earlier talks almost fell apart because Trump wanted Ukraine to sign the deal before discussing security guarantees. President Zelensky refused, saying the draft deal felt like selling out the country. That led to a pause in U.S. aid, which was later restarted after stronger support from European countries.

Trump promoted the deal as a way for Ukraine to give something back for U.S. help. U.S. leaders also see Ukraine’s rare minerals—22 out of 50 considered critical by the U.S.—as a valuable alternative to China’s supply.

The Biden administration also tried to encourage investment in Ukraine’s minerals in 2023, and Ukraine signed a similar deal with the EU back in 2021.

This new agreement could help both countries economically, though how fast it moves forward depends on the situation in Ukraine.