Ukraine and the US have signed an economic partnership agreement to establish the Reconstruction Investment Fund, channelling investment into Ukraine’s economic revival and fortifying the strategic alliance between the two nations.
The agreement will provide the US with preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals deals and the opportunity to finance essential projects in natural resource development, innovation and recovery efforts.
Both countries previously reached an agreement on a draft minerals deal in February 2025.
Under the leadership of President Donald Trump, the US Treasury Department and the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) are tasked with finalising the governance of this partnership.
US Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent and Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko made the partnership official.
Bessent said: “This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centred on a free, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine over the long term.
“President Trump envisioned this partnership between the American people and the Ukrainian people to show both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine.”
The agreement ensures Ukraine’s sovereignty over its resources, with the nation retaining exclusive rights to its subsoil, territorial waters and natural resources without debt obligations to the US.
It also preserves state ownership of Ukrainian enterprises and requires minimal legislative amendments for the fund’s operation.
Ukraine will receive 50% of future revenues generated from new royalties, which include newly issued licences for critical minerals, as well as oil and gas exploration. Revenues from existing projects or those already budgeted are not included in the arrangement.
The resources of the fund will be invested solely within Ukraine, focusing on either extraction projects or the reconstruction of infrastructure.
For the initial ten years, all profits will be entirely reinvested into Ukraine’s economy. Following this period, profits may be shared among the partners.
The fund’s governance structure is based on equal decision-making power between Ukraine and the US, with both nations contributing to its resources.
The US’ support extends beyond financial input, encompassing additional investment and technology transfers facilitated by the DFC.
The agreement also offers tax guarantees as the fund revenues and contributions will not be taxed in either of the countries.
Svyrydenko said: “This decision marks a new era in our cooperation with the US. We are gaining not only investment but also a strategic partner committed to working with us to drive economic growth and innovation.
“This agreement is the outcome of extensive negotiations, and I am grateful to both negotiating teams for their professionalism and dedication. Together, we have developed a mutually beneficial framework. It also reflects the US commitment to lasting peace in Ukraine and recognition of Ukraine’s contribution to global security.”
Svyrydenko highlighted that the accord not only involves financial contributions from Washington but could also extend to new forms of assistance such as air defence systems for Ukraine.
