The signed memorandum of understanding was thin on details, and the White House did not comment. But President Trump has said he expects to sign a minerals deal with Kyiv soon.

The memorandum of intent paves the way for an economic partnership deal and the setting-up of an investment fund for the reconstruction of Ukraine.

Ukraine's government has announced the signing of the outline of a minerals deal between the war-torn country and the US. Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko said the memorandum of intent paved the way for what she called an economic partnership agreement.