Trump Strikes Major Resource Deal with Ukraine—But No Security Guarantees Included

U.S. President Donald Trump has finalized a sweeping economic agreement with Ukraine focused on energy and critical minerals, in a deal hailed by Kyiv as a potential financial lifeline—but one that notably omits any concrete security assurances.

Under the terms of the pact, the U.S. and Ukraine will establish a 50/50 joint investment fund covering oil, gas, and critical mineral projects. The fund will be tax-exempt and backed by the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC), with profits locked in for a decade. Additionally, Ukraine will not be required to repay prior U.S. military aid, and half of the revenue from new energy and mineral licenses will be reinvested into the fund. Despite the American partnership, Ukraine retains full ownership of key state enterprises, including Ukrnafta and Energoatom.

However, buried in the fine print is a key omission: the deal contains no explicit security guarantees. A vague reference to a “long-term strategic alignment,” cited by The Washington Post, is the only nod to broader geopolitical concerns. The agreement still needs ratification by Ukraine’s parliament to take effect.

“We made a deal today where we get, you know, much more in theory than the $350 billion,” Trump told NewsNation. “But I wanted to be protected… I didn’t want to be out there and look foolish.”