Ukraine approves strategic minerals deal with US despite internal concerns

Ukraine’s parliament has approved a significant minerals agreement with the United States, according to lawmakers.

The ratification took place on Thursday.

Kyiv anticipates that the agreement will guarantee continued military support from Washington as it defends itself against Russian forces, according to a Reuters report.

Despite some Ukrainian lawmakers’ concerns about the government’s transparency regarding the deal and certain compromises, the ratification agreement passed with significant support, receiving 338 votes in favor and none against.

“The Ukrainian Parliament has ratified the historic Economic Partnership Agreement between Ukraine and the United States,” First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said in a post on X.

This document is not merely a legal construct — it is the foundation of a new model of interaction with a key strategic partner.

Concerns over the minerals agreement

Several lawmakers expressed apprehension regarding the insufficient specifics within certain provisions of the agreement. 

Their concerns included the governance structure of the proposed investment fund for Ukraine’s reconstruction and the modalities of contribution.

Minister Svyrydenko addressed concerns in an early Thursday press conference, stating that the investment fund would be operational within a few weeks. She emphasised that its success hinges on the extent of US involvement.

Officials stated that the agreement’s specifics will be detailed in two forthcoming supplements, though a return on investment may take ten years or more.

Svyrydenko added:

This is exactly what we have ensured. The agreement has no debt provisions, and there is an obligation to invest in Ukraine — free and sovereign.

Ukrainian drone strikes

On the eve of Russia’s military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of Nazi Germany’s defeat, which follows their full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Ukraine’s Parliament has ratified an unspecified measure.

Russia intends to use the parade to project its strength.

Ukrainian drone strikes on Russia have recently overshadowed preparations. 

Kyiv hopes the ratification of the minerals deal will strengthen its standing in ceasefire negotiations. 

These talks, however, have made little progress in bridging the differences between Moscow and Kyiv, much to the disappointment of US President Donald Trump.

Kyiv has rejected Russia’s demands for Ukraine to cede territories Putin claims to have annexed and to accept permanent neutrality, stating that these conditions would constitute surrender and leave the country vulnerable.

30-day ceasefire proposal

Ukraine is willing to accept a US proposal for an immediate, temporary 30-day ceasefire, with the possibility of extension by mutual consent, and claims the Kremlin has disregarded this plan. 

In contrast, Putin has suggested a much shorter three-day ceasefire, specifically from May 8-10.

Last month’s minerals deal in Washington granted the United States preferential access to future Ukrainian mineral agreements and established an investment fund. 

This fund could support Ukraine’s reconstruction efforts for the initial decade following the deal.

Months of difficult negotiations, which nearly collapsed during a tense February meeting between Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, have resulted in an agreement that provides some benefits for Kyiv. 

These include the US not seeking repayment of aid Trump claimed Kyiv owed, and an American recognition of Kyiv’s aspirations to join the European Union.

New weapons delivery from the US

Ukraine also sees the deal as a route to unlock the delivery of new US weapons, especially additional Patriot air defence systems it badly needs to repel Russia’s increasingly frequent missile attacks. 

The deal offered no clear guarantee of that.

Zelenskiy believes the agreement provides Ukraine with more favorable terms compared to earlier versions, which some in Kyiv had criticized as “colonial.” 

This agreement is crucial for Kyiv as it seeks to improve its relationship with Trump following their Oval Office meeting.

Svyrydenko said:

The agreement provides opportunities to receive new defense and other assistance from the U.S. administration and creates the necessary foundation for long-term relations

Ukrainian lawmakers commended the government for working to shift Trump’s stance, which initially seemed to support Russia.

According to the Kyiv International Institute of Sociology, 47% of Ukrainians are in favor of the proposed deal. Another 22% anticipate potential negative consequences, while 19% believe the deal will have no impact.

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