Concern is growing in Moscow that Russia could lose its edge in talks with the United States over the Ukraine war now that Kyiv has finally signed an economic partnership agreement giving Washington preferential access to future Ukrainian mineral deals.

After months of tense negotiations, the U.S. and Ukraine signed a deal that is expected to give Washington access to the country’s critical minerals and other natural resources, an agreement Kyiv hopes will secure long-term support for its defense against Russia.