ISTANBUL 

Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on Friday emphasized the need for signing technical agreements to operationalize the US-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund.

Shmyhal, speaking at the opening of a government meeting, described the critical minerals deal as “a historic achievement that clearly fits into the broader program of strengthening Ukraine, ensuring peace and our security.”

He said the next critical step is legal and diplomatic. “Now it is important for us to continue legal and diplomatic work - to sign technical agreements that will provide specific tools for implementing partnership with the United States,” he was quoted as saying by the Interfax-Ukraine news agency.

According to Shmyhal, the agreement will enhance Ukraine’s defense capabilities. “To protect our sky better - thanks to American air defense systems. To protect our land better - thanks to modern weapons,” he said.

He added that the fund sends “a signal to the Kremlin regime that the United States remains with Ukraine and is ready to support us.”

The Ukrainian premier said reconstruction efforts would be conducted “together with those who are now helping us defend ourselves.”

On Wednesday, Ukraine and the US signed the long-awaited minerals deal after months of tense negotiations, as well as a heated Oval Office exchange this February.

Under the agreement, the United States-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund is to be established. The US Treasury Department said the economic partnership would allow the two countries to work collaboratively to accelerate Ukraine's economic recovery, highlighting Washington's "significant financial and material support" to Kyiv since the war with Russia began in 2022.