After months of tense negotiations, the US and Ukraine signed a deal that will give Washington access to the country’s critical minerals and other natural resources, an agreement Kyiv hopes will secure long-term support for its defense against Russia.

The US Treasury Department announced the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund on Wednesday, as the two countries signed a long-anticipated minerals deal. Announcing the signing of the accord, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it showed "both sides' commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine."