Zelensky talks with the Canadian PM
published at 00:53
00:53
According to his office, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has talked with Zelensky, only days after his party won the election.
Carney emphasised Canada's commitment to helping Ukraine achieve long-term peace and security throughout the conversation.
Zelensky congratulated Carney on his recent election win, according to Carney's office.
The statement ended, "The two leaders agreed that a durable peace can only be achieved with Ukraine at the table."
Zelensky also wrote on X about their previous chat, including "the prospects of Canada’s G7 presidency this year and our cooperation within the Coalition of the Willing" and "updating Carney on the war with Russia."
"Thank you, Canada, for your support," he stated in his letter. !We rely on productive collaboration.
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A former US ambassador praises the agreement as a move in the right direction for peace.
published at 00:31
00:31
William Taylor, a former US ambassador to Ukraine, praised the agreement, telling the BBC it was a "positive development" for peace.
He said the agreement may serve as a "model" for the US to adopt when draughting a new peace agreement between Russia and Ukraine.
"It's a good sign that the Americans will be investing in Ukraine," according to him.
He does, however, add that it has to be "complimented by a real security guarantee, with military force [like] the Europeans are talking about"
He said the decades-long mineral extraction process will make it abundantly evident to Vladimir Putin that the United States is dedicated to Ukraine's long-term sovereignty.
He hopes the agreement marks a change in Trump and Zelensky's relationship.
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A Ukrainian official describes the conditions of the agreement.
published at 00:27
00:27
Yulia Svyrydenko, first deputy prime minister
Source image: X/@Svyrydenko_Y
caption for the image,
Alongside her message, First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko included a picture taken in Washington, DC.
Ukraine's first deputy prime minister, Yulia Svyrydenko, has posted the terms of the agreement on social media.
She claimed the agreement creates a reconstruction investment fund to assist draw Western investment in Ukrainian mining, oil and gas projects in a post on X in Ukrainian.
According to her, Ukraine would continue to own the resources, and Kyiv will decide where the extraction will take place.
She adds that there would be no debt owed to the US and that the partnership will be equitable, on a 50/50 basis.
The United States will contribute to luring technology and money to the Ukrainian initiatives.
The United States will provide Kyiv with fresh aid in return, like as air defence equipment for Ukraine.
According to her, neither nation would impose taxes on the fund's earnings or donations.
According to Svyrydenko, Ukrainian legislators still need to approve the agreement.
"The accord acknowledges Ukraine's contributions to international security," she says, expressing gratitude to all those involved in negotiating the deal.
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Svyrydenko and Bessent ink a contract
published at 00:07.
00:07
The agreement was signed by Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
US Treasury Department image source
caption for the image,
The agreement was signed on Wednesday by Ukrainian First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
Images of the agreement being signed by US and Ukrainian officials in Washington, DC, on Wednesday are now available to us.
This image was published by the US Treasury Department, which wrote on X: "The United States and Ukraine inked an agreement to create the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund on April 30.
"This historic economic partnership clearly signals the Trump Administration’s commitment to a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine."
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Teams from the US and Ukraine are seen in the photo signing a pact.
published at 00:02.
00:02
A table in the centre of a room full with officials in suits, with the flags of the US and Ukraine flying.
Source image: X/@Svyrydenko_Y
Yulia Svyrydenko, the first deputy prime minister of Ukraine, has started posting pictures from her Wednesday trip to Washington, DC.
The teams that negotiated the agreement on behalf of each nation are seen in one of her pictures, together with herself and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
"This document is capable of delivering success for both our countries - Ukraine and the United States," she said in her article.
"God bless Ukraine and God bless the United States of America."
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The whole announcement from the US Treasury Department announcing the minerals agreement with Ukraine
published on April 30 at 23:49
30 April, 23:49
The White House and the Ukrainians announced a signed minerals agreement this evening, which we just informed you about.
We can now provide you with more lines from the US release.
Message of the Quote
An agreement to create the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund was signed by the United States and Ukraine on April 30. In appreciation of the substantial material and financial assistance that Americans have given to Ukraine's defence since Russia's full-scale invasion, this economic partnership puts our two nations in a position to cooperate and make investments that will guarantee that our shared resources, skills, and abilities can hasten Ukraine's economic recovery.
Message of the Quote
President Donald J. Trump is in charge of the Treasury Department and the U.S. The Government of Ukraine and the International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) will collaborate to complete program governance and continue this significant collaboration.
Message of the Quote
"I am pleased to announce today's historic economic partnership agreement between the United States and Ukraine establishing the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, thanks to President Trump's tireless efforts to secure a lasting peace," the U.S. Scott Bessent, the Treasury Secretary. "The United States is dedicated to assisting in the cessation of this pointless and brutal conflict, as the President has said. This deal makes it abundantly evident to Russia that the Trump Administration is dedicated to a peace process that is focused on a long-term, free, independent, and wealthy Ukraine. In order to demonstrate both sides' dedication to enduring peace and prosperity in Ukraine, President Trump envisioned this cooperation between the American and Ukrainian people. To be clear, the rehabilitation of Ukraine will not benefit any state or individual who provided funding or supplies to the Russian war machine.
Message of the Quote
The Government of Ukraine and the United States are eager to put this historic economic cooperation into action as soon as possible for the benefit of both the American and Ukrainian people.
Department of the US Treasury
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After reaching a pact, Bessent claims the US is dedicated to a free Ukraine.
published on April 30 at 23:39
30 April, 23:39
In a video address, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the new US-Ukraine Investment Fund and the signing of the minerals pact.
"Today's agreement signals clearly to Russian leadership that the Trump administration is committed to a peace process centred on a free, sovereign and prosperous Ukraine over the long term," he said. "It's time for this cruel and senseless war to end."
In order to swiftly create the fund, he said, the US International Development Finance Corporation would collaborate closely with the Ukrainian government.
01:16
caption for the media,
According to Scott Besent, the US has signed a historic natural resources agreement with Ukraine.
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Examination
With less excitement than anticipated, the US and Ukraine strike a pact.
published on April 30 at 23:36
30 April, 23:36
Bateman, Tom
US State Department correspondent
Instead of the pomp that was initially planned for a ceremony at the White House in February, which ended in acrimony with the Oval Office break up between Presidents Trump and Zelensky, the signing of this arrangement was revealed via a press release sent out from the US Treasury Department.
Since the White House increased pressure, this agreement seems to have undergone extensive renegotiation.
Nevertheless, Zelensky has been able to extract significant compromises from Washington. According to a previous version of today's article that the BBC was able to see, the joint US-Ukraine investment fund would be established in order to explore Ukraine for vital energy and mineral resources. The money raised will go towards rebuilding Ukraine.
Importantly, the document states that the American contribution in the fund will include the cost of any future military aid provided to Ukraine. This implies that in exchange for future US security support, Ukraine will essentially be granting Washington access to part of its natural riches.
However, it is much less than what Trump had demanded, which was reimbursement for all US military aid provided since the conflict began in 2022.
The Treasury Department's statement, which refers to "Russia's full scale invasion" and states that "no state or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine," demonstrates far greater support for Ukraine than is customary for the Trump administration.
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A Ukrainian official claims to have signed the contract.
published on April 30 at 23:21
30 April, 23:21
Shattering
The creation of a US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund was the subject of a recent post on X by a top Ukrainian official.
"Together with the United States, we are creating the Fund that will attract global investment into our country," First Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said, posting a photo of herself in Washington, DC.
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Ukraine and the US forge an economic cooperation
published on April 30 at 23:07
30 April, 23:07
Shattering
After discussions on an agreement that would provide Washington access to Kyiv's rare earth minerals, the US established an economic alliance with Ukraine.
According to a Treasury Department news statement, the two nations have decided to establish a "Reconstruction Investment Fund" in which they would work together to make sure that "mutual assets, talents, and capabilities" will hasten Kyiv's recovery.
This shocking news just came to us. Stay tuned, and we'll keep you updated on all you need to know.
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Ukraine and the US are getting closer to completing a crucial minerals agreement.
published on April 30 at 22:24
22:24 on April 30
Bosotti, Rorey
Editor for live pages
According to authorities in Kyiv and Washington, Ukraine and the US are making slow progress towards a long-awaited minerals pact that intends to deepen their collaboration.
Earlier today, a senior Ukrainian official told the BBC that Ukraine was prepared to sign and that Yulia Svyrydenko, the country's minister of economy, was already on route to Washington to sign the agreement.
A draft copy of the agreement, which outlines the major goals of the agreement, was then shown to BBC News. It is much more comprehensive than what Kyiv first suggested, but Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal is certain that it would guarantee Ukraine retains control over its natural resources.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that the United States was also prepared to sign "this afternoon" during a news conference held by the US cabinet to commemorate the first 100 days of the second Trump administration.
According to one person who spoke to the BBC, Svyrydenko was told not to go to the US until the deal was concluded. Bessent pointed out that both parties had made some "last minute changes."
According to the source, further "technical documents" had already been signed last Friday, but Kyiv attempted to resume negotiations on a number of previously agreed-upon topics, including the management of an investment fund for the nation's rebuilding and a transparency system.
If the US thinks Ukraine is adhering to the conditions set last week, the agreement might still be completed by Wednesday evening, the source added, despite the last-minute discussions.
The agreement must be ratified by the Ukrainian parliament, among other obstacles, before it can be put into effect once it is formally signed.
We'll be stopping our coverage for the evening shortly, but you can read our report to get the most recent information on the transaction.
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Will the minerals in Ukraine suffice?
published on April 30 at 22:00
30 April, 22:00
Stallard, Esme
Science and climate correspondent
An overview of the Zavalivskyi Graphite Plant in Zavallya, Kirovohrad Oblast, a Ukrainian company that specialises in the mining of graphite ore and its processing for industrial purposes
Getty Images is the image source.
To get a vital mineral from the ground to the finished product, mining is just one step in a complicated supply chain.
For instance, lithium, a common key mineral that is highly prized for its usage in green technology, is found in nature in combination with other minerals rather than alone. Spodumene ore, which contains just around 6 or 7% lithium, provides more than half of the world's lithium supply.
After that, the lithium is extracted and processed through six steps to create lithium carbonate or lithium sulphate, which may be used in batteries.
China is the only nation that controls this processing, even though lithium and many other vital minerals are widely available.
"China is dominant on this stage," says Gracelin Baskaran, head of the critical minerals security program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, DC. "China accounts for 60% of global rare earth production but processes nearly 90% - [it] is dominant!"
Therefore, even if Trump is able to get access to Ukraine's mines, he would now need to transfer them to China for processing before using them in US goods.
Analysts have informed me that Trump is likely to get frustrated by this.
Trump's minerals deal's unanticipated ripple effect - BBC News
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"Good investment opportunity" describes the deal, according to a Ukrainian MP.
published on April 30 at 21:41
30 April, 21:41
MP Maria Mezentseva of Ukraine
Maria Mezentseva, a Ukrainian MP, expressed her optimism to the BBC News channel that the long-awaited minerals agreement with the United States would be concluded shortly.
She claims that the agreement "doesn't breach Ukraine's EU aspirations" and is a "good investment opportunity" that is fair.
According to her, Ukraine is "not giving away all its resources" because of the agreement, which covers vital minerals, energy, infrastructure, and assistance for reconstruction.
Mezentseva, however, states that "we want to see clear security guarantees"
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According to the insider, the deal might yet happen today.
published on April 30 at 21:10.
30 April, 21:10
Debusmann, Bernd Jr.
From the White House, reporting
According to a person involved with the talks, the signature might still take place by Wednesday evening if the US side thinks Ukraine is adhering to the parameters that have already been agreed upon, the BBC reports.
According to the source, the United States thinks the Ukrainians are trying to reopen provisions that were previously agreed upon as part of the deal.
According to the source, Ukraine's deputy prime minister was instructed not to visit the US until the agreements were finished.
On Friday, officials from both nations signed technical paperwork. According to the source, Ukraine was trying to reopen a number of particular issues, such as the fund's governance, the transparency system, and the procedures to guarantee that every money can be completely traced.
To finish the paperwork, the US and Ukraine teams worked through the night on Friday and into Saturday. They also worked into the wee hours of Wednesday.
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A mining specialist predicts that Russia will be dissatisfied and worried.
published on April 30 at 20:46
20:46 on April 30
Mid-shot of Vladimir Putin during a public event, standing in front of a screen wearing a dark blue suit, white shirt, and tie with a blue and purple pattern
Reuters is the image source.
According to Duncan Wood, a prominent minerals and energy geopolitics specialist, the mining contract is a significant move that may worry Russia about the growing US-Ukraine alliance.
Moscow will feel "deep disappointment" over the two nations' becoming closer, Wood told BBC News.
He says that the dispute takes on a new dimension because to the possible existence of US interests in Ukraine.
Wood adds that even if the US could get raw materials from Ukraine, refining would still need to take place in China, despite Trump's larger efforts to diversify vital minerals supply chains away from Beijing's near-monopoly on processing.
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Ukraine is given less attention in the White House.
published on April 30 at 20:12
30 April, 20:12
Debusmann, Bernd Jr.
From the White House, reporting
The precise duration of today's cabinet meeting was two hours and three minutes.
However, we only learnt about Ukraine in passing, and only after reporters had a chance to ask questions. I spend the most of my days in the White House, and lately, I've discovered that this is usually the case.
Some officials, like National Security Advisor Mike Waltz, were keen to stop and speak to reporters outside the Oval Office, and earlier in the administration, officials were ready to highlight attempts to resolve the violence there.
Some weeks appeared to have been entirely dominated by news about Ukraine, especially the week when Sir Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron, and Volodymyr Zelensky arrived.
That has mostly ceased, which may indicate that the government is becoming more frustrated that despite its repeated assurances, it has not been able to put an end to the fighting.
The exact date of any prospective signing is yet unknown.
However, Trump will speak to us at least twice more today: this afternoon at an event focused on investments and this evening at a televised down hall.
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Watch: The US says it is prepared to conclude a minerals agreement with Ukraine
published on April 30 at 19:43
30 April, 19:43
The US is prepared to sign the agreement "this afternoon," as we have been reporting, but the Ukrainians "decided to make last minute changes," according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.
The following video shows him being questioned about the arrangement during Trump's most recent cabinet meeting:
01:01
caption for the media,
The Trump administration claims the US is prepared to negotiate a minerals agreement with Ukraine.
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With the US and Ukraine prepared to sign today, the minerals agreement seems near.
published on April 30 at 19:16
30 April, 19:16
With a US (L) and Ukrainian (R) flag behind her, Yulia Svyrydenko signs a memorandum of agreement while seated at a table in a light blue blouse and grey pin-stripe suit.
Oleh Tereshchenko/Ukrainian Ministry of Economy, image source
caption for the image,
Earlier this month, Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's minister of economy, signed a rare earth minerals memorandum of understanding with the United States.
According to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, the US is prepared to sign the agreement if Ukraine is, but let's pause to consider the events of today.
Earlier this afternoon, a senior source informed the BBC that Yulia Svyrydenko, Ukraine's minister of economy, was on her way to Washington and that Ukraine was prepared to sign the agreement today.
Denys Shmyhal, the prime minister of Ukraine, went on to say that the last details were being worked out and that he believed it would be signed within the following day.
At the conclusion of a cabinet meeting commemorating the first 100 days of Trump's second term, we heard from the administration for the first time in Washington.
Bessent said that the US was prepared to conclude the deal after some "last minute changes" in response to a press query.
President Trump used the occasion to reiterate his well-known criticism of the previous administration's expenditure on Ukraine, citing numbers that have been refuted by a number of academics and European politicians.
The framework must be ratified by the Ukrainian parliament when the minerals agreement is signed in Washington.
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Trump said the US presence will benefit Ukraine.
published on April 30 at 18:52
30 April, 18:52
Inside the White House, Marco Rubio (L) sits next to Donald Trump (C) as he responds to questions from the media, with Pete Hegseth seated to their right.
Getty Images is the image source.
Now, more on Trump's comments on the minerals deal with Ukraine and the cabinet meeting.
He claims that he "didn't want to make a complicated deal" as "Ukraine doesn't have very much money" .
but "we've made a deal where our money is secure," he claims.
He goes on to say that the US presence in Ukraine, where the nation's riches will be exploited, "will keep a lot of bad actors out of the country."
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The US claims that it is prepared to clinch a deal "this afternoon."
published on April 30 at 18:33
18:33 on April 30
Shattering
Debusmann, Bernd Jr.
From the White House, reporting
With his hands open and resting on a hardwood table, Donald Trump, dressed in a dark blue suit, white shirt, and red tie, addresses the cabinet.
Getty Images is the image source.
Donald Trump recently addressed a question to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent over the Ukraine mining agreement.
"Our side is ready to sign this afternoon if they are," Bessent states.
Last night, all parties agreed to make some "last minute changes" to the agreement, Bessent said.
What such modifications are is unknown.
"It's the same agreement that we agreed to on the weekend," Bessent continues, adding that nothing was taken away.
Trump is now using his well-known talking points about the number of people killed in Ukraine and his belief that Europe hasn't done enough to support Ukraine's defence.
He continues, "As you know, we're looking for rare earth all the time," alluding to the agreement. "They have a lot, and we made a deal, so we can start digging and doing what we have to do. It's also good for them."
"Soon, they're going to honour the deal," he states. "We haven't really seen the fruits of that deal yet. I suspect we will."
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