A new bill has been registered in the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, which could become a key step in the country’s recovery after the war and extensive destruction
It concerns the creation of a so-called "Reconstruction Investment Fund" — a specialized financial structure aimed at attracting foreign investments and facilitating a rapid and targeted restoration of Ukrainian infrastructure, industry, and social spheres. The initiative has gained momentum amid active diplomatic efforts between Ukraine and the United States. The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers submitted to the Verkhovna Rada a draft law ratifying the relevant agreement between the two countries on establishing the "American-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund." The document foresees official confirmation of the American side's intentions to finance programs and projects as part of the country's recovery, as well as defining the legal and financial foundations for cooperation. According to sources within the Ukrainian authorities, the bill №0309, which is being considered for ratification, includes several key provisions. The agreement between the US and Ukrainian governments envisions collaboration in the field of mineral resources, specifically 57 different deposits of critical importance for the Ukrainian economy. The document also mentions military assistance — weapons, equipment, and other resources that the US is willing to provide Ukraine in its defensive struggle against the enemy. However, it is important to note that many details of this cooperation are being worked out in a separate "technical agreement," which has not yet been developed and could define the further format and level of interaction. It is worth recalling that the origin of this initiative has its backstory. On the night of May 1, on the eve of the 100th day of Donald Trump’s presidency, a so-called "Subsoil Agreement" was signed between Ukraine and the US. It became the first step toward establishing a mechanism for attracting foreign investments in the utilization of Ukrainian natural resources. At that time, Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal stated that ratifying this document in the Ukrainian parliament was mandatory to formalize and solidify the country's commitments regarding the use of its natural wealth, while voting in Congress was not considered obligatory for the US side. Earlier, on April 17, Ukraine and the US signed a memorandum of intent regarding the completion of an official agreement to regulate economic cooperation and the creation of an investment recovery fund. This document signaled both countries' aspirations to establish closer and more systematic cooperation in restoring Ukraine's economy and infrastructure through attracting American investments and technologies. The adoption of the bill and the ratification of the agreement are set to become a historic step toward attracting international assistance for Ukraine. At the same time, many uncertainties and risks remain, including how transparently and effectively the raised investments will be utilized, and what specific political and economic conditions will be outlined in the "technical agreement." Ukrainian experts emphasize that diplomatic and government efforts should focus on ensuring maximum transparency and accountability of the implementation process, especially in the context of war and the urgent needs of the Ukrainian people. Overall, the creation of the "Reconstruction Investment Fund" within this international agreement opens new opportunities for Ukraine to receive long-term support from the US. This is not only a financial resource but also a symbol of trust and partnership, which will become a vital element in overcoming the consequences of the devastating war and returning the country to stable development. Ukraine is approaching a new milestone in its diplomacy concerning attracting global investments, and the success of this initiative will determine not only economic recovery but also the future security and sovereignty of the state.