Ukrainian President Volodyrmyr Zelenskiy on Saturday said that the United States will provide Kyiv with $30 billion in financial aid as part of the minerals deal signed between the two countries this week.
Zelensky told reporters that the USA has already declared $15 billion for 2025 and another $15 billion for 2026. However, this amount might be paid this year as part of the Investment Fund for the Restoration of Ukraine that was created within the framework of the minerals deal. In turn, Ukraine would gradually repay its share, in accordance with the terms of the agreement, Zelenskiy emphasized.
Signed after months of negotiations, the earth minerals deal gives Washington access Ukraine’s minerals and natural resources in exchange for the US military aid to Kyiv since the start of Russia’s full-fledged invasion in 2022. US President Donald Trump has been pushing for Ukraine’s payment for the US military aid.
Announcing the deal on Friday, US Treasury Secretary Bessent said the investment fund set up as part of the deal, will allow Washington “invest alongside Ukraine” to unlock the country's lucrative assets, accelerate the war-torn country’s economic recovery.
“This mineral resources deal is beneficial for both sides,” Zelenskiy journalists Saturday in Kyiv.
“I told President Trump I believe our teams will make every effort to move forward constructively and set a firm date for signing,” Zelenskiy was cited by local media.
