Ukraine war live: ‘historic’ minerals deal signals long-term commitment to a free Ukraine, US says

<p>US treasury secretary Scott Bessent says agreement shows both sides’ commitment to ‘lasting peace’ while Ukraine PM Shmyhal calls it ‘good, equal and beneficial’</p><ul><li><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/apr/30/us-ukraine-minerals-deal-russia">Full report: US and Ukraine sign minerals deal that solidifies investment in Kyiv’s defense against Russia</a></li></ul><p>Democratic congressman <strong>Gregory W Meeks</strong>, a ranking member of the house foreign affairs committee, called the minerals agreement “Donald Trump’s extortion of Ukraine deal”.</p><p>In <a href="https://democrats-foreignaffairs.house.gov/2025/4/meeks-issues-statement-on-ukraine-minerals-deal">a statement</a>, he said:</p><p><em>I hope the administration can now turn to the real roadblock for peace: Vladimir Putin. President Zelenskyy has shown time and again that he is willing to negotiate to work towards a sustainable peace; now is the time for Trump to put the pressure on Putin where it belongs …</em></p><p><em>Unfortunately, Donald Trump has so far demonstrated nothing but weakness by capitulating to Putin every step of the way, with nothing to show for it in return, while fixating his attacks on Zelensky and Ukraine. It should be news to no one that Vladimir Putin is a bully and will only respond to strength, not groveling.</em></p><p><em>Thanks to @POTUS’s leadership, today the U.S. and Ukraine signed the Reconstruction Investment Fund Agreement—a milestone in our shared prosperity and an important step in ending this war.</em></p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2025/may/01/ukraine-war-live-updates-minerals-deal-us-trump-zelenskyy-latest-news">Continue reading...</a>