U.S. And Ukraine Announce Economic Deal

10 weeks ago Ukrainian officials say Kyiv is ready to sign an agreement that would give the U.S. access to its valuable rare minerals in the hopes of ensuring continued American support for Kyiv in its grinding war with Russia. Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal says Ukraine’s economy minister and deputy prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, flew to Washington on Wednesday to help finalize the deal. U.S. President Donald Trump indicated in February that he wanted access to the country’s rare earth materials as a condition for continuing U.S. support in the war. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Wednesday that the Trump administration stands ready to sign a deal, but that Ukraine made some last-minute changes and work still remains.