Ukrainian President Zelensky: Ready to Strike a Deal with Trump on Rare Earths in Exchange for U.S.Aid | WPN World People News

On Friday, July 7, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told Reuters that he is prepared to reach an agreement with U.S. President Donald Trump, allowing the United States to participate in the development of Ukraine’s abundant rare earth elements and other critical mineral resources. This comes in response to Trump’s earlier suggestion of exchanging rare earth minerals for U.S. assistance. “Let’s make a deal!” Zelensky declared.

To support his proposal, Zelensky presented a formerly classified map detailing the locations of Ukraine’s rare earth elements and other important mineral deposits. He emphasized that Kyiv is not simply handing over its resources but is instead proposing a mutually beneficial partnership to develop them together.

Speaking to Reuters, Zelensky reiterated that Ukraine requires security guarantees from its allies in any peace plan. Last fall, Ukraine proposed opening access to its critical mineral resources to its allies as part of a "Victory Plan" designed to strengthen its negotiating position and pressure Moscow to come to the table. The initiative also aims to prevent Russia from seizing these rare mineral resources and supplying them to adversaries of the U.S., such as North Korea. These rare earth minerals are widely used in high-performance magnets, motors, and consumer electronics. Additionally, Zelensky highlighted that Ukraine possesses the largest titanium reserves in Europe, a crucial material for the aerospace industry, as well as uranium, which can be used for nuclear energy and weaponry.

Since the war began, Ukraine has been facing multiple challenges, including manpower shortages, insufficient aid, unfavorable battlefield conditions, and economic pressures. Although Western countries have provided military equipment and financial assistance, Russia’s recent advances in eastern Ukraine, bolstered by its military superiority, have led Ukrainian leadership to conclude that conventional aid models alone will not be enough to resolve the crisis. As a result, Ukraine has introduced this controversial new strategy, aiming to leverage its natural resources to break the current deadlock.

The Ukrainian government has clarified that this proposal is just one component of a broader diplomatic strategy aimed at addressing national defense needs while also diversifying the country's economic structure. Regardless of the outcome, this move undoubtedly introduces a new perspective on international resource diplomacy and strategic negotiations.