Ukraine Offers U.S. a 'Deal' on Rare Earth Metals in Exchange for Support

In anticipation of the Munich Security Conference and a potential meeting between Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky is banking on the business acumen of the former American leader, reports NewsBox. In an interview with Reuters, Zelensky showcased a map highlighting Ukraine's rich deposits of rare earth metals and other strategically important minerals, hinting at the potential for a mutually beneficial 'deal.' Zelensky referenced Trump's recent statement about wanting to obtain rare earth metals and minerals from Ukraine in exchange for financial assistance. "If there's a deal to be made, we are all in," emphasized the Ukrainian leader, highlighting the need for security guarantees for Ukraine from its allies in the context of any resolution to the conflict with Russia. Ukraine has long been considering the possibility of attracting allied investments in the development of its mineral resources. Zelensky noted that less than 20% of Ukraine's mineral wealth, including around half of its rare earth deposits, are under Russian occupation. He warned that Moscow could transfer control over these resources to its allies, North Korea and Iran, posing a threat to the U.S. "We must stop Putin and protect the Dnipro region, central Ukraine, where enormous wealth is concentrated," Zelensky stated, displaying a map pinpointing locations with large deposits of rare earth metals in the eastern part of the country. Zelensky underlined that Ukraine holds Europe's largest reserves of titanium, essential for the aviation and space industries, as well as uranium used in nuclear energy. Most titanium deposits are located far from the combat zones in northwestern Ukraine. The President of Ukraine stressed that Kyiv does not intend to 'give away' resources but is offering a mutually advantageous partnership for their development. "Americans have helped the most, and therefore, they should earn the most. They should have this priority, and they will. I would like to discuss this with President Trump," he added. Zelensky also noted that Russia has detailed information about the location of Ukrainian resources, obtained from geological surveys conducted during Soviet times. Moreover, Kyiv and Washington are discussing the possibility of using Ukrainian underground gas storage facilities for storing U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG). "I know the Trump administration is very interested in this... We are ready and eager to have contracts for LNG supplies to Ukraine. And, of course, we will be a hub for all of Europe," declared Zelensky. Zelensky's interview was published ahead of the Munich Security Conference, where Trump's special representative for Russia and Ukraine, Keith Kellogg, is expected to participate. Zelensky expressed his desire to meet with Trump before any potential meeting with Putin, to avoid a "dialogue about Ukraine without Ukraine." As the Munich Conference approached, Zelensky also announced the beginning of a new Ukrainian military offensive in Russia's Kursk region, noting the increased activity of North Korean military forces on Russia's side. The Ukrainian government plans to launch programs to attract young people to the army to address personnel shortages. Zelensky's proposal for rare earth metal development can be seen as an attempt to adapt to a transactional approach in foreign policy, which is likely to prevail if Trump returns to power in the U.S.