The US and Ukraine have signed the long-awaited minerals deal. First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko was in DC to sign the agreement to form the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund last night. Bessent said: “Today’s agreement signals clearly to Russian leadership that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free sovereign and prosperous Ukraine over the long term it’s time for this cruel and senseless war to end.” The deal has changed since early drafts…
Svyrydenko says the fund will help attract capital to Ukrainian mineral, oil, and gas projects. Ukraine retains ownership of all resources and will control extraction. The US and Ukraine will be equal 50/50 partners, with no debt obligations to the Americans. In return for helping attract investment and technology, the US will provide additional aid, including air defence systems. Fund income and contributions will be tax-exempt in both countries. It now has to be ratified in Ukraine…
Burnham confirms he spoke to Trump last night about drilling in the North Sea:
“I indicated in the phone call that we had a week last Monday that I would take a pragmatic approach when it comes to the North Sea, and that is my intention as we go forward from here. There is a resource there. When people are struggling, we can’t ignore that. Hence, me indicating that to the president…”