What to know about the U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal, from the type of rare earths to deposits

The newly announced U.S.-Ukraine joint economic investment deal grants the U.S. access to Ukraine’s mineral resources, potentially bolstering Ukraine’s defense against Russia while addressing U.S. concerns amid a trade war with China. The agreement focuses on rare earth minerals and other resources, with Ukraine expected to share royalties from future extraction, but it does not impose debt obligations on Kyiv. With China imposing export restrictions on critical minerals, this partnership may serve as a strategic alternative for the U.S. in securing essential resources for technology and military applications.