US and Ukraine sign natural resources deal and agree to establish investment fund

The US Treasury has announced it has signed a minerals deal with Ukraine and has agreed to establish an America-Ukraine reconstruction investment fund.

For Ukraine, the deal is seen as key to ensuring its access to future US military aid.

President Donald Trump indicated in February he wanted access to Ukraine's rare earth materials, describing it as reimbursement for the billions of dollars in aid the US has given to Kyiv.

But talks stalled after a heated Oval Office meeting between him and President Zelenskyy, and reaching an agreement since then has proven difficult and strained relations between Washington and Kyiv.

This breaking news story is being updated and more details will be published shortly.

Please refresh the page for the fullest version.

You can receive breaking news alerts on a smartphone or tablet via the Sky News app. You can also follow us on WhatsApp and subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with the latest news.