A “first-of-its-kind” partnership between Ukraine and the United States of America will see 50% of fees from conservation projects in Ukraine invested into a shared fund.

The United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, launched on April 30, will receive half of all royalties and “similar payments” from natural resource projects in Ukraine.

The projects, including minerals, hydrocarbons and infrastructure development, will be given as first choice to the United States to buy or sell.

If the US chooses not to acquire the natural resource plan, they will have the option to offer it to a buyer of their choice.

The partnership will be run by a third party with “equal representation” of both sides, with three Ukrainian and three American board members.

Money from the fund will be re-invested into new projects in Ukraine, with hopes to generate long-term returns for both countries.

A statement from The White House said the decision “aims to show both sides’ commitment to lasting peace and prosperity in Ukraine.”

It continued to state that, “this partnership sends a strong message to Russia – the United States has skin in the game and is committed to Ukraine’s long-term success.

“No state, company or person who financed or supplied the Russian war machine will be allowed to benefit from the reconstruction of Ukraine.”

Russia first invaded Ukraine in 2014, annexing Crimea and occupying parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

On 24 February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion on Ukraine.

As of January 2025, the United States of America had allocated over $182 billion in emergency funding as a result of the war.

So far, $83.4 billion of the money allocated has been spent on funding and equipment in Ukraine – some of which will be repaid with added interest.

A press release from the U.S Department of the Treasury stated that the new investment fund is “in recognition of the significant financial and material support” that the United States has provided to Ukraine.

Scott Bessent, U.S Secretary of the Treasury, said, “The United States is committed to helping facilitate the end of this cruel and senseless war.

“This agreement signals clearly to Russia that the Trump Administration is committed to a peace process centred on a free, sovereign, and prosperous Ukraine over the long-term.”

Photo Credit: Flickr

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