Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky may witness significant economic growth thanks to a new minerals agreement facilitated by the US. This deal aims to bolster Ukraine’s economy and potentially deter Russian aggression by enhancing economic security.

“Economic security is synonymous with national security,” stated a financial expert during an interview, emphasizing that post-conflict, Kyiv could see growth levels comparable to the era after the Cold War, similar to Poland’s economic expansion which tripled its size since then.

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Thanks to the minerals deal, Bessent is optimistic that Ukraine’s economy will accelerate. “If Ukraine grows at a high rate,” he said, “Russia might become wary.”

The deal, finalized in April, includes the establishment of a Joint Reconstruction Investment Fund, which will enable Ukraine and the US to jointly acquire licenses for oil, gas, and critical minerals, sharing profits equally. US military aid will also contribute to this fund, allowing ongoing support without additional taxpayer expenditure.

Initially, Zelensky hesitated over the deal, partly due to pressure from wealthy Ukrainian interest groups, amid concerns over corruption, as Ukraine ranks 105th out of 180 on Transparency International’s scale. Bessent asserts the funds from the deal will benefit ordinary Ukrainians rather than illicit offshore accounts.

Ukraine’s reconstruction costs are estimated at around $524 billion. The minerals deal might also give US investors opportunities in Ukraine’s recovery efforts.

“Once the agreement was signed, the connection between Ukrainians and Americans strengthened,” Bessent explained — “If Ukraine succeeds, the US succeeds, and vice versa.”