Ukrainian Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko holds a press conference prior to the ratification by parliament of a mineral deal signed by Kyiv and Washington. The deal will see the United States invest in Ukraine's rare earth and other deposits as it seeks to reduce military aid to the war-torn country. "It is important that the agreement opens the way for new defense support, as the text provides that the US can count and make contributions on its part in the form of military aid," Svyrydenko explains. "I think this is the first time in history that the United States has viewed Ukraine as a long-term strategic partner in economic terms," she adds. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES