the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Washington DC, in a major step toward Ukraine’s post-war recovery, the Trump administration and the Ukrainian government have signed a landmark agreement to establish a joint investment fund aimed at rebuilding Ukraine and boosting Western investment in its energy and mineral sectors.
The agreement, finalized on April 30, 2025, was signed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko in Washington, D.C. The fund, which will be managed equally by both nations, is designed to attract billions in investments into Ukraine’s critical infrastructure, oil and gas reserves, and rare mineral resources.
Equal Partnership, Powerful Vision
“Together with the United States, we will create a fund that will attract Western investments to our country,” said Svyrydenko. “Neither party will have a majority vote, reflecting an equal partnership between Ukraine and the United States.”
The joint fund will be financed solely through revenue generated from new licenses in oil, gas, and critical mineral projects, with profits split 50/50 between the two nations. Military aid—such as air defense systems—can also be counted as contributions to the fund, effectively blending economic recovery with defense support.
Strategic Access to Critical Materials
The agreement gives the U.S. preferential access to Ukraine’s vast reserves of rare earth and critical minerals—essential for advanced technologies, defense systems, and clean energy. Projects are expected to include open-pit mines like those in the Zhytomyr and Kirovohrad regions.
Svyrydenko emphasized that for the first 10 years, the fund’s profits would be reinvested in Ukraine to fuel sustained development. “These conditions will be discussed further, but the aim is long-term growth, not immediate returns,” she said.
Backed by U.S. Finance and Global Partnerships
The fund will also be supported by the U.S. International Finance Corporation (DFC), which will help attract investments and advanced technologies from the U.S., European Union, and other allied nations.
“The DFC will play a key role in mobilizing funds and resources from global partners that support Ukraine’s sovereignty and security,” Svyrydenko noted.
Political Hurdles Cleared
The deal marks a dramatic turnaround after tensions between President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in February 2025 reportedly derailed an earlier attempt to finalize the agreement. The explosive meeting at the White House delayed progress, but both parties ultimately returned to the table.
“This agreement signals to the world that long-term cooperation with Ukraine is not only viable—it’s vital,” said Svyrydenko, expressing confidence in Ukraine’s ability to become a global investment hub despite the ongoing conflict with Russia.
No Debt Strings Attached
Crucially for Kyiv, the deal imposes no debt obligations on Ukraine—a point of contention during previous negotiations. Instead, the fund is structured to yield high-impact investment returns without tax penalties, ensuring investors see value while Ukraine retains its financial independence.
A New Era of Economic Recovery
A statement from the U.S. Treasury highlighted the broader significance of the agreement:
“In recognition of the significant financial and material support that the people of the United States have provided to Ukraine since Russia’s full-scale invasion, this economic partnership positions our two countries to work collaboratively and invest together to ensure that our mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can accelerate Ukraine’s economic recovery.”
By merging strategic investment with defense collaboration, the U.S.-Ukraine fund represents a bold new model for post-conflict recovery—one that could inspire similar partnerships across the globe.
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What a brilliant idea. we will no longer be reliant upon China and Russia for these minerals
Greenland is next
The MSM is doing it’s best to say Ukraine got the better of Trump on this one.
I though they went out of business on Nov 6, 2024…
What a load of BS. It started with $300 billion payback for the aid done so far, then dropped to 200, now it has been zeroed. This is done in desperation to give T a “victory”. Nobody knows about ‘rare earth” minerals in Ukraine. In addition, most of that is in the territories occupied by Russia. This is not good for anyone. The only secure resource in Ukraine is gas and aluminum both of which will end up in the hands of the Europeans. We won’t see a dime out of this except continuing to subsidize the war with Russia. T simply can’t find the strength to walk away from this mess. I am very disappointed. Not a good sign for peace. The whole goal continues to be the weakening of Russia, the biggest neocon dream. T is weak.
This comment is from a 3 time T voter.
You are not a Trump voter.
You can’t even say his name.
Donald J Trump.
LIAR! But, that’s what Dems do.
Nope. No reason to lie. Voted 3 times for him and will vote him again if necessary because I have no choice but to pick the lesser of the 2 evils. I think he has done well so far with DEI, Dept of Education and USAID dismantling, however he has fallen under the influence of neocons who can’t get enough wars. The 1 trillion $ budget for the Pentagon speaks for itself. Remember the ending of the war in Ukraine is about saving lives, not making money for America. Ukraine is worthless to the US, none of our business. We have plenty of rare earth that we can mine here. What about the Epstein fiasco? What about so many other promises that have now taken a backseat? What about using totally unnecessary rhetoric and handing the elections in Canada and Australia to the left at a time when they were dead in the water? Or was he playing 4D chess like the fanatics claim.