Ukraine is expected to sign a significant agreement with the United States on Wednesday regarding cooperation in the rare metals sector, according to a senior official in the Ukrainian presidency, as reported by AFP.

The official stated that Ukrainian Economy Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko is scheduled to travel to Washington later in the day to sign the agreement, even though the Ukrainian government has not yet approved the final version of the deal.

According to the official, the agreement outlines the creation of a joint fund, co-financed on a 50/50 basis by Kyiv and Washington, aimed at supporting the exploration and development of rare metals projects—resources considered strategically important for both nations.

The move comes amid U.S. efforts to diversify critical supply chains away from China, and as Ukraine seeks to attract Western investment into its vital mining sector.