Department of Research, Studies and International News -03-05-2025

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has described a recently finalized agreement on critical minerals with the United States as a landmark moment in Ukraine’s post-war recovery. In an address to the nation, he emphasized that the agreement, long in the making, had undergone key revisions during negotiations and now reflects a genuine “equal partnership.” According to Zelenskyy, the outcome was strongly influenced by a pivotal discussion with former U.S. President Donald Trump, which took place during a Vatican visit surrounding the funeral of Pope Francis.

“This accord has seen major changes in its formation,” Zelenskyy noted, “transforming it into a partnership rooted in equality. It will unlock large-scale investments in Ukraine and spark significant industrial modernization, while also bringing much-needed reform to our legal system.” He indicated that the new deal was not merely symbolic, but a strategic turning point, shaped by diplomatic engagement at the highest levels.

Strategic gains for Kyiv

Despite earlier concerns that Ukraine had little leverage in such talks, many experts in Kyiv now view the deal as a significant diplomatic victory. Tymofiy Mylovanov, head of the Kyiv School of Economics, pointed out that Ukraine succeeded in removing some of the more one-sided proposals pushed by Washington. “All excessive demands from the other party were ultimately removed. Ukraine stood firm, and the final outcome is balanced,” Mylovanov shared on social media.

One of the more contentious issues, the idea of Ukraine repaying U.S. military support through mineral resources, did not make it into the final agreement, despite previous insistence by Trump that such an exchange was necessary. This omission signals a potential shift in the tone of future U.S.-Ukraine relations, with Kyiv managing to negotiate more favorable terms than initially expected.

Speaking to Fox Business Network, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent portrayed the minerals deal as a reaffirmation of the shared goals between the American and Ukrainian people. “This sends a clear message to Moscow that there is strong alignment between our two nations. It strengthens President Trump’s position as he engages Russia diplomatically,” Bessent stated. His remarks were likely aimed at dispelling doubts about the continuity of U.S. support for Ukraine, especially as Trump’s foreign policy often signals unpredictability.

In a related development, the Trump administration has greenlit its first weapons export to Ukraine since taking office. A proposed sale of over $50 million in defense equipment has been submitted for review by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. This move suggests that the minerals agreement could act as a gateway to the resumption of stalled military aid. Trump had suspended all Ukraine-related defense assistance shortly after assuming the presidency, citing concerns over U.S. expenditure abroad.

Further signaling renewed focus on Ukraine, the State Department has appointed Julie Davis, a veteran diplomat and former ambassador to Cyprus, to lead the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. Davis is stepping into the role during a sensitive period, as Washington moves forward with peace negotiations, talks which some observers believe are tilted toward Russian interests. She replaces Bridget Brink, who recently stepped down.

Davis brings extensive experience to the position, having previously served in senior roles in Belarus and NATO. Her appointment is seen as an effort to solidify American diplomatic engagement amid the evolving political landscape shaped by the minerals deal and looming peace initiatives.