Minerals Deal Will Strengthen Trump in Talks With Russia: US

Why the US-Ukraine deal is important

- Reuters

KYIV/WASHINGTON: Kyiv and Washington on Thursday hailed a deal giving the United States preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals as a milestone which a top US official said would allow President Donald Trump to negotiate with Russia on a stronger basis.

The Kremlin was silent on Wednesday's agreement, but Russian former President Dmitry Medvedev said it meant Trump had "broken the Kyiv regime" because Ukraine would have to pay for US military aid with mineral resources.

The accord, which was signed in Washington and heavily promoted by Trump, establishes a joint investment fund for Ukraine's reconstruction as the US president tries to secure a peace settlement in Russia's war in Ukraine.

The agreement also gives the US preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals projects. It is central to Ukraine's efforts to mend ties with Trump and the White House, which frayed after he took office in January, but is yet to be considered by the Ukrainian parliament.