The minerals deal, long coveted by U.S. President Donald Trump, comes more than three years since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

The White House announced an economic partnership with Ukraine that includes an agreement on the ownership and extraction of natural resources from the war-torn nation.

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — After months of tense negotiations, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a deal that is expected to give Washington access to the country’s critical minerals and other natural resources, an agreement Kyiv hopes will secure long-term support for its defense against Russia.