The United States and Ukraine have officially signed a long-anticipated agreement on rare earth minerals, creating a Joint U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. This initiative aims to guarantee a steady flow of weapons to Ukraine in return for partial U.S. oversight of the nation’s mineral reserves and future resource development.

In a statement, the U.S. Treasury Department highlighted the importance of the deal: “In recognition of the significant financial and material support the American people have provided for Ukraine’s defense since Russia’s full-scale invasion, this economic partnership enables our two nations to work jointly and invest strategically to harness our shared assets, expertise, and capabilities to accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery.”