Minerals pact | Trump and Treasury Secretary Bessent indicate that the agreement could be signed around April 24 

Agencies Kyiv

Ukraine announced Thursday the signing of a preliminary minerals agreement with the United States, setting the stage for a potentially significant economic partnership. While specific details of the "memorandum of intent" remain undisclosed, Ukrainian officials indicated it lays the groundwork for the joint development of Ukraine's natural resources. 

Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's Minister of Economic Development and Trade and Deputy Prime Minister, confirmed the development in a social media post on X. "We are happy to announce the signing, with our American partners, of a Memorandum of Intent, which paves the way for an Economic Partnership Agreement and the establishment of the Investment Fund for the Reconstruction of Ukraine," she stated, adding optimism that the final agreement would be "very beneficial for both countries."  Images accompanying Svyrydenko's post appeared to show her and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signing the preliminary document.

Earlier in Washington, both U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary Bessent indicated that a more comprehensive agreement was anticipated next week. Speaking to reporters, President Trump stated, "Well, we have a minerals deal, which I guess is going to be signed on Thursday — next Thursday [April 24]? Soon... But we have a deal on that." 

Secretary Bessent elaborated, noting, "we're still working on the details. We're shooting for around April 26th." He suggested the upcoming agreement was substantial, describing it as an "80-page agreement" that builds upon previous discussions with Ukraine.  CNBC has reached out to the White House for further clarification on the specifics of the deal.

President Trump has reportedly sought a minerals agreement with Ukraine since taking office in January. He has previously suggested that jointly developing Ukraine's reserves of rare earths, critical minerals, oil, gas, and other natural resources could serve as a form of compensation for U.S. aid provided to Ukraine during its conflict with Russia. 

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also acknowledged the initial agreement on Thursday, telling reporters, "this is a memorandum of intent. And we have positive, constructive intentions," according to Reuters. He noted that the U.S. proposed signing the memorandum before the comprehensive deal, which will require ratification by the Ukrainian parliament.