Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday praised a new minerals agreement with the United States as “a truly equal and fair deal,” marking what he called the first concrete outcome of his recent meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump.

The two leaders met on the sidelines of Pope Francis’s funeral in Vatican City earlier this week, where they held closed-door discussions amid global attention. Zelensky said the agreement opens the door to the modernization of Ukraine’s industrial sector, positioning the country as a strategic partner in the global minerals supply chain.

“This is not just a deal it’s a statement,” Zelensky told reporters. “It reflects mutual respect and a shared vision for fair economic cooperation.”

The agreement is expected to focus on critical minerals essential to technologies like electric vehicles, defense systems, and energy storage. While full details have yet to be disclosed, both Kyiv and Washington have signaled strong intent to deepen economic and strategic ties.

Analysts view the deal as a potential game-changer for Ukraine’s post-war recovery efforts and a sign of strengthening U.S.-Ukraine relations beyond military aid.