PM Shmyhal highlights role of Ukraine-U.S. memorandum in critical minerals deal

Espreso correspondent Nataliia Starepravo reported the information.

On the evening of April 17, Ukraine and the U.S. signed a memorandum signaling their intention to finalize and sign a critical minerals agreement. As Denys Shmyhal clarified, the memorandum has already been published on the government website, along with all related information about the upcoming agreement.

“This is a brief one-page document that confirms the United States has provided significant financial support since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. It also expresses the American people's desire to invest alongside Ukrainians in a free, sovereign, and secure Ukraine. The United States and Ukraine want a lasting peace for Ukraine and a strong partnership between their peoples and governments,” said the Prime Minister.

He also noted that the memorandum acknowledges Ukraine’s contribution to global peace and security through its voluntary relinquishment of the world’s third-largest nuclear arsenal.

“The United States and Ukraine intend to establish a reconstruction investment fund as part of the economic partnership between the two nations. The memorandum also recognizes and respects Ukraine’s intention to avoid conflicts while developing the agreement in line with its commitments toward EU accession, as well as agreements with international financial institutions and other official creditors. All of this is outlined in the memorandum. It is a memorandum of intent. The intergovernmental agreement to follow, which will be created in accordance with the law, will undoubtedly be submitted to the government for ratification,” Shmyhal added.

• On Thursday, April 17, Ukraine and the United States signed a memorandum affirming the countries' intention to finalize and sign an agreement on critical minerals.