The United States and Ukraine are nearing a landmark economic agreement focused on rare earth mineral access, though critical security assurances remain absent. Three senior Ukrainian officials confirmed the framework Tuesday, emphasizing its potential to stabilize military aid flows amid Russia’s ongoing invasion.
Under the deal, Ukraine would grant the U.S. shared rights to develop its rare earth reserves – essential for advanced technology and defense systems. Joint ownership of a resource fund replaces earlier proposals requiring Kyiv to repay $500 billion in wartime support through mineral profits. Instead, Ukraine will contribute 50% of future revenues from state-owned minerals, oil, and gas projects.
It could be worth a trillion dollars,Trump told reporters, calling the pact a big dealduring Oval Office remarks.
Key elements include:
- Zelenskyy’s planned Washington visit to finalize terms with Trump
- Ongoing negotiations about military aid during leadership talks
- Exclusion of formal security guarantees from current draft
The breakthrough follows weeks of public friction between leaders. Zelenskyy previously rejected U.S. proposals lacking NATO-style protections, while Trump controversially labeled Ukraine’s president a dictator without elections.Retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg’s three-day mediation visit last week helped bridge differences.
Analysts suggest the rare earth minerals component addresses U.S. interests in reducing reliance on Chinese supplies. However, Kyiv secured critical concessions, including veto power over fund decisions and protections for existing energy contracts. One official described the revised terms as structurally positivecompared to initial drafts.
With technical details still pending, Friday’s anticipated signing ceremony could mark a strategic shift in bilateral relations. The agreement’s success may hinge on parallel discussions about Ukraine’s security needs during the Trump-Zelenskyy summit.
