Sri Lanka, April 18 -- The Ukrainian government has announced the signing of a memorandum of intent with the United States regarding a minerals deal.

Economy Minister Yulia Svyrydenko stated that the memorandum lays the groundwork for what she described as an economic partnership agreement.

She added that the final agreement would also include an investment fund dedicated to the reconstruction of Ukraine.

US officials have expressed optimism that a full accord could be finalised by the end of next week.

The signing of the memorandum follows a period of disrupted negotiations, including a reported public disagreement between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky at the White House in February.

Minister S...