Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday welcomed a landmark mineral resources agreement with the United States, calling it a "win-win" deal that strengthens economic ties and could facilitate the acquisition of vital air defense systems amid Ukraine's ongoing war with Russia. The agreement, reached during talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, will establish a joint investment fund for the extraction and processing of Ukraine's strategic minerals, opening the sector to American businesses and laying the groundwork for long-term economic and defense cooperation. "This mineral resources deal is beneficial for both sides," Zelenskyy told reporters in Kyiv, adding that he and Trump agreed to advance the partnership constructively and set a firm signing date. Zelenskyy said the fund would provide investment protections and help build U.S. confidence in Ukraine's economy. He noted that Kyiv had requested additional U.S.-made air defense systems, saying such equipment could be included in the broader framework of the mineral partnership. "These things are not free," he emphasized, calling for purchasing access through structured repayment mechanisms. Zelenskyy referenced two U.S. military aid tranches — $15 billion for 2025 and another $15 billion for 2026 — approved by Congress, proposing that both be advanced under the fund's umbrella, with Ukraine repaying its share over time. "This would be a $30 billion U.S. contribution, and Ukraine would repay its share gradually. That's the kind of deal we're discussing," he said. The Ukrainian president described the initiative as historic, highlighting the potential for reinvestment into Ukraine's economy and a shift toward domestic value-added production, beyond raw material exports. Duty-free access to the U.S. market would be part of the deal. One of the key mineral sites mentioned is located near Pokrovsk in Donetsk — a region near the front lines of Ukraine's conflict with Russia. "For American businesses, this mineral agreement is the best form of insurance available right now," said Zelenskyy, adding that Trump assured him the partnership would serve as a deterrent to Russian aggression. Zelenskyy also confirmed he discussed expanding U.S. sanctions on Russia during his meeting with Trump, calling the American president's response "very powerful," though he did not provide further details. — Agencies
