Kyiv (TDI): Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the president of Ukraine, offered a strategic alliance with the United States, granting access to Ukraine’s enormous reserves of rare earth minerals in return for financial assistance and security affirmations. This initiative supports U.S. President Donald Trump’s demand from Ukraine to provide vital minerals as part of a larger aid agreement.
“If a deal is what we’re discussing, let’s make it happen. We’re open to it, “Zelenskyy told Reuters, stressing a collaboration that benefits both parties rather than a resource transfer.
Strong security always has many elements, and each one matters. Ukraine possesses some of the largest strategic resource reserves in Europe, and protecting Ukraine also means protecting these resources. Resources that can either strengthen our state and our partners—or Russia and… pic.twitter.com/EcRCYRiGkm
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) February 7, 2025
Also read: Trump seeks Ukraine rare earth material
Moreover, Ukraine is home to Europe’s largest sources of uranium for nuclear energy and titanium, which are essential for aerospace and defense. The Dnipro region and central Ukraine are rich in rare earth elements that are essential for electronics and electric cars. Zelenskiy argued that Russia, which controls less than 20% of Ukraine’s mineral-rich regions, may use these resources to assist allies like North Korea and Iran.
By storing American liquefied natural gas (LNG) in its extensive underground facilities, Ukraine hopes to become a global energy hub. Zelenskyy claimed Ukraine as a gateway for European energy, saying, “The US government is very enthusiastic, and we are ready to enter into a deal.”
In addition to this, he disclosed a confidential geological map of Ukraine’s vital resources and stated,
“We need to stop Putin and protect what we have.”
Furthermore, Zelenskyy stresses a need for specific security guarantees as the war approaches its third year and wants direct discussions with Trump before any U.S.-Russian negotiations. He declared, “I must meet Trump before he meets with Putin; otherwise, it will be a conversation about Ukraine without Ukraine.”
Also read: Ukraine Launches Counterattack in Kursk Region
From February 14–16, Zelenskiy will be in Munich for the Munich Security Conference, where he anticipates meeting with U.S. officials, including Keith Kellogg, Trump’s special envoy for Russia and Ukraine. Kyiv and Trump’s team, which includes national security advisor Michael Waltz, are in regular contact.
Zelenskyy’s diplomatic initiative highlights Kyiv’s strategic change to align with Washington’s changing foreign policy while Russian soldiers continue their attack. Securing U.S. assistance continues to be a primary priority because Ukraine’s oil and mineral treasures are at risk.
