In a major development, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that he has discussed the prospect of Ukraine supplying rare earth minerals to the United States with U.S. President Donald Trump. The talks, which began months ago, focus on Ukraine potentially offering these critical minerals in exchange for future U.S. support.
Trump reiterated on Monday that he wants Ukraine to supply the U.S. with these resources as a form of payment for the financial aid Washington has provided in Kyiv’s ongoing war with Russia. Zelenskyy stated that Ukraine is open to developing these resources with its allies, provided that security guarantees ensure Kyiv’s control over the mineral-rich regions.
The Kremlin responded, with spokesperson Dmitry Peskov claiming Trump’s proposal signals a shift in U.S. policy, indicating Washington is no longer willing to support Ukraine without conditions. However, former Ukrainian economy minister Tymofiy Mylovanov countered that Russia has little to offer Trump in return.
Beyond rare earth minerals, discussions between Ukraine and the U.S. have also included defense technology, logistics, and agriculture.
Meanwhile, the war continues to take a devastating toll. On Tuesday, a Russian missile strike in Izium killed five people and injured 55 others. According to Zelenskyy, the conflict has claimed at least 45,100 Ukrainian soldiers’ lives, with nearly 390,000 wounded.
With Ukraine approaching the third year of full-scale war, the outcome of these mineral negotiations could shape the country’s future both on the battlefield and economically.
