Minerals deal investment fund may start operating within 4-6 weeks

"Our task is to do it (to launch the fund - ed.) as soon as possible. It’s very difficult to predict right now, but I believe that within a month or a month and a half (after the agreement is ratified by Parliament - ed.), we aim to launch the fund," Svyrydenko said.

She noted that Ukraine wants to ratify the agreement as quickly as possible.

"And of course, we want to finalize other technical matters related to the fund," the Deputy Prime Minister added.

Minerals deal

Ukraine and the United States signed a minerals deal. On Ukraine’s side, the document was signed by First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko, while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signed on behalf of the United States.

Initially, both countries planned to sign a framework agreement, followed by a separate treaty establishing an investment fund. In late March, the US proposed an updated version that is no longer a framework agreement. The document now requires ratification by the Verkhovna Rada.

The signed agreement provides for the creation of an investment fund, which will be financed through revenues from the sale of Ukrainian natural resources.

According to Svyrydenko, the agreement secures provisions that are important for Ukraine while remaining beneficial to both countries. Notably, mineral resources remain in Ukrainian ownership.

The agreement does not mention any Ukrainian debt to the United States related to previous US aid.

As previously reported, the US expects the Verkhovna Rada to ratify the agreement within a week.

For more details on the agreement, read the material by RBC-Ukraine.