Ukraine-US minerals deal signed, attack on activist Sternenko, sanctions on Arestovych: May 1 highlights
Ukraine and the United States signed an agreement to create a Reconstruction Investment Fund, widely known as the “minerals deal.” Activist Serhiy Sternenko was attacked with a firearm but is not in critical condition. Here’s a roundup of the top news for May 1.
Ukraine and the US signed an agreement on subsoil resources
On April 30, Ukrainian Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko and U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signed an agreement to establish the U.S.-Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund, commonly referred to as the “minerals deal” due to its focus on mineral extraction in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Cabinet of Ministers published the agreement’s text.
The deal creates a 50/50 joint fund for investments in Ukraine’s oil, gas, and critical minerals, with equal management by both nations. Ukraine retains full control over its resources, and no debt repayment for past U.S. aid is included, addressing earlier concerns.
Attack on activist Sternenko
Activist Serhiy Sternenko reported an attack on him on May 1, sustaining a non-life-threatening injury. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) released a photo of the detained female assailant, stating she used a firearm.
Ukrainska Pravda, citing sources, reported that law enforcement had prior knowledge of a planned assassination attempt on Sternenko, orchestrated by Russian special services. The suspect rented an apartment in Sternenko’s Kyiv residential complex on April 15 and began surveilling him.
Sanctions against former presidential aide Arestovych and blogger Oleshko
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy enacted a National Security and Defense Council decision imposing personal sanctions on former presidential adviser Oleksiy Arestovych and blogger Myroslav Oleshko.
The sanctions strip them of Ukrainian state awards, block their assets, restrict trade operations, halt resource transit, flights, and transportation in Ukraine, and ban their media distribution. Licenses for certain activities will also be revoked.
Shahed drones scattered delayed cluster munitions in Kyiv
Explosions from delayed cluster munitions occurred in Kyiv’s Bortnychi neghborhood, Darnytskyi district, likely scattered during a nighttime drone attack.
An elderly woman was injured when the explosive component of a downed drone detonated with a delay.
Waltz steps down as NSA
Multiple media outlets reported that U.S. President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, Mike Waltz, and his deputy, Alex Wong, will soon resign. Reuters noted that Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, who has traveled to Moscow for Ukraine war talks, is a candidate to replace Waltz.
Trump later confirmed Waltz’s resignation, naming him the U.S. permanent representative to the United Nations.
US plans to end the war in Ukraine in the next 100 days
U.S. Vice President JD Vance said a “very large gulf” exists between Ukraine’s and Russia’s visions for ending the war, and the Trump administration will work to “try to bring these two sides closer together,” over the next 100 days.
Other news
- The trial in the murder case of linguist Iryna Farion lasted eight minutes; lawyers did not attend, and suspect Zinchenko was advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
- Russians held a “Victory Songs” concert in central Vienna, met with protests from Ukrainians.
- In Kyiv Oblast, a taxi driver attempted to kidnap a 6-year-old girl, but she escaped.
- Trump approved the first arms sale to Ukraine, according to Kyiv Post.
- Share: