U.S. and Ukrainian officials are preparing for an important meeting as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is expected to visit the White House early tomorrow. The visit aims to finalize and sign an economic agreement that would grant the United States access to revenues from Ukraine’s vast natural resources. This arrangement is also designed to aid Ukraine in its efforts to rebuild its economy, which has been significantly impacted by ongoing conflict.

Ukraine is home to approximately 5% of the world’s critical raw materials, which include 17 elements deemed essential for a wide range of products. These products span various sectors, including medical devices, military applications, and consumer technology, such as cellphones and electric vehicles. This diverse mineral wealth presents an opportunity for both Ukraine and the United States to benefit economically from this partnership.

However, the situation is complicated by geopolitical factors, as about 40% of Ukraine’s mineral resources are currently untapped due to ongoing Russian occupation in certain regions of the country. This limitation creates challenges for Ukraine in accessing and utilizing its valuable natural resources fully. The deal with the United States aims to help mitigate some of these challenges by facilitating investment and access to these minerals.