The Ukrainian parliament will vote on May 8 to ratify a minerals agreement recently signed with the United States, lawmakers announced Friday. The deal, finalized earlier in the week, grants the U.S. priority access to Ukraine’s mining operations, marking a significant step in bilateral economic cooperation.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal confirmed that the upcoming vote pertains to just one component of the broader agreement. “Ratification is needed only for one element of the deal,” he stated, without specifying which portion requires parliamentary approval.

The development follows earlier remarks by Ukrainian officials who insisted that legislative approval was a prerequisite for signing the agreement. This procedural step was necessary to ensure compliance with domestic legal frameworks and institutional checks.

The minerals deal has stirred debate within Ukraine due to its geopolitical implications and potential impact on national resource sovereignty. However, supporters argue that the partnership could catalyze much-needed investment and infrastructure development in the country’s mining sector.

If ratified, the agreement is expected to deepen U.S.-Ukrainian ties and further integrate Ukraine into Western economic frameworks. It comes amid ongoing efforts by the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump to secure strategic partnerships and resources in Eastern Europe.

The May 8 vote will be closely watched both in Kyiv and Washington, as it will determine the legal standing of a landmark agreement with long-term economic and geopolitical significance.