Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday announced that the United States and Ukraine have signed the long-anticipated minerals deal through the creation of a reconstruction investment fund.

The two countries have been trying to work out the deal since February, which would give the U.S. access to mineral riches in Ukraine in exchange for funding the country during its war with Russia. 

Bessent said the economic partnership positions the two countries to work collaboratively to ensure mutual assets, talents, and capabilities can speed up Ukraine’s economic recovery.

“Thanks to President Trump’s tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace, I am glad to announce the signing of today’s historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund,” Bessent said in a statement. 

“As the President has said, the United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war," he continued. "This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centered on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long term."

Bessent added that no country or individual who helped Russia in its ongoing war with Ukraine can benefit from the country's reconstruction.

The deal comes after the initial signing plan blew up over a spat between Trump and Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky. The Ukrainian met with Trump and Vice President JD Vance to sign the original agreement at the White House in February, but the meeting turned sour after Vance accused Zelensky of being disrespectful.

The agreement also comes as the U.S. attempts to make a peace deal for both countries to stop the three-year war. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.