Trump announces meeting with Zelenskiy to sign minerals deal
24 February 22:45
US President Donald Trump has announced a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy this week or next week to sign a US-Ukraine agreement on rare earth metals. This was reported by Sky News, "Komersant Ukrainian" informs
Trump said the meeting could take place “this week or next week” to sign the minerals agreement.
At the same time, Ukraine has not officially agreed to sign the current version.
Earlier in Truth Social, Trump emphasized the importance of the minerals agreement during today’s conversation with G7 leaders.
“Everyone expressed their goal of seeing the war end, and I emphasized the importance of a vital agreement on critical minerals and rare metals between the United States and Ukraine. It will hopefully be signed very soon,” he said.
The US-Ukraine Rare Earth Metals Agreement: What We Know About It
In February 2025, the United States and Ukraine are actively negotiating an agreement that would give the United States access to Ukraine’s critical minerals, such as rare earth elements, titanium, and lithium. This agreement is seen as a way to compensate for the significant military and financial assistance provided by the US to Ukraine since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
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Key aspects of the proposed deal
US share in Ukrainian resources. The preliminary terms stipulate that the United States will receive up to 50% of revenues from the extraction and sale of Ukrainian minerals and natural resources as compensation for the military support it has previously provided. This includes not only rare earth elements, but also other resources such as uranium, oil and gas.
Amount of compensation. The amount discussed is $500 billion, which Ukraine should provide to the United States in the form of revenues from its natural resources. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy disputes this figure, claiming that the real amount of aid received is about $100 billion, and insists that grants should not be considered a debt.
Ownership and control. According to the draft agreement, US companies must own a 50% stake in Ukrainian rare earth deposits. In addition, the United States will have the right to revenues even from those territories that Ukraine may liberate from Russian occupation in the future.
Lack of security guarantees. The current terms of the agreement do not provide Ukraine with any security guarantees or further military support from the United States. This is a concern for the Ukrainian side given the ongoing aggression by Russia.
Reaction and current status of negotiations
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed serious concerns about the proposed terms, saying that he would not sign an agreement that would burden future generations of Ukrainians with significant payments. He emphasized the need for clear security guarantees and fairer financial terms.
Despite the tensions in the negotiations, both sides continue to engage in dialogue. U.S. officials have expressed optimism that an agreement will be reached soon, pointing to a possible visit by President Zelenskyy to Washington to sign the agreement in the coming weeks.
European leaders are already expressing concern about possible concessions from Ukraine in exchange for financial aid, especially in the context of the lack of security guarantees. French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer are planning to visit Washington to discuss these issues and express support for Ukraine.
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