US envoy: Russia, Ukraine, US should become business partners after peace deal

Russia, Ukraine and the United States should move towards becoming economic partners once a peaceful settlement of the war in Ukraine is achieved, according to US presidential special envoy Steve Witkoff, speaking to The Wall Street Journal.

Witkoff said Russia’s vast resources and territory, combined with a stable post-war framework in which all sides benefit economically, could help underpin long-term security.

He argued that shared prosperity would reduce the likelihood of future conflict by giving each country a stake in continued stability.

In April 2025, the Ukraine–United States Mineral Resources Agreement was formally signed in Washington, marking a major shift in Kyiv–Washington economic cooperation.

The agreement establishes a joint Reconstruction Investment Fund, meant to channel revenues from Ukraine’s natural resources — including rare earths, oil and gas — into post‑war rebuilding and infrastructure. 

Under the deal, Ukraine retains ownership and control of its resources while both countries manage the fund equally. Kyiv hopes this framework guarantees continued US financial and military support, even as hostilities persist. 

Meanwhile, in November 2025, the draft of a peace proposal emerged — the US 28‑point Ukraine‑Russia peace plan — which contemplates ending the war and potentially reintegrating Russia economically under certain conditions.

US and Ukrainian officials reported that peace negotiations in Geneva have trimmed the US peace proposal for ending the Ukraine war from 28 to 19 points. Secretary of State Marco Rubio described progress as “tremendous” but noted more work remains.

A joint statement said the talks showed “meaningful progress toward aligning positions.” Sources said that nine provisions were removed, though specifics were not disclosed.

European officials had previously raised concerns over points related to sanctions and frozen Russian assets, citing EU authority.

By Aghakazim Guliyev