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Zelensky Suggests Mineral Collaboration with Trump for Security Assistance
Ukrainian President Zelensky proposes a partnership with the United States to collaboratively develop essential mineral resources, associating economic collaboration with security assurances.
In an interview with Reuters on Friday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky suggested establishing a mineral partnership with President Donald Trump as part of a larger initiative to gain both financial and security assistance for Ukraine amid its ongoing conflict with Russia.
Zelensky examined a previously classified map detailing Ukraine’s extensive deposits of rare earths and other essential minerals, highlighting that fewer than twenty percent of these resources—approximately half of the rare earth deposits—are still under Russian control.
He emphasized that the proposed partnership would be advantageous for both parties, stating, "If we are discussing a deal, then let's proceed with it; we are fully in favor," and reiterated Ukraine's urgent need for security assurances from its allies.
This proposal follows earlier remarks by President Trump, who expressed a desire for Ukraine to provide the United States with rare earths and other minerals in exchange for financial backing for its military efforts.
Zelensky also recalled that last autumn, Ukraine had proposed opening its critical minerals sector to investments from allies as part of a "victory plan," aimed at enhancing its negotiating leverage with Moscow.
Furthermore, he indicated that talks are ongoing between Kyiv and the White House regarding the use of Ukraine's ample underground gas storage facilities for U.S. liquefied natural gas, which would position Ukraine as a potential energy hub for Europe.
On the military front, Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces have initiated a new offensive, advancing about one and a half miles into Russia's Kursk region, though Russian officials claimed to have thwarted the attack.
He also mentioned that thousands of North Korean troops, who are fighting alongside Russia, have resumed active combat following a hiatus.
To tackle a shortage of personnel, Ukraine plans to launch recruitment contracts targeting young men aged eighteen to twenty-four.
Zelensky stressed the necessity of meeting President Trump in person before any talks occur between the United States and Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that such a meeting is crucial for ensuring Ukraine's interests are upheld.
The proposal and associated discussions arise as Ukraine aims to strengthen its position in advance of forthcoming international gatherings, including the Munich Security Conference set for February fourteenth to sixteenth.
Zelensky examined a previously classified map detailing Ukraine’s extensive deposits of rare earths and other essential minerals, highlighting that fewer than twenty percent of these resources—approximately half of the rare earth deposits—are still under Russian control.
He emphasized that the proposed partnership would be advantageous for both parties, stating, "If we are discussing a deal, then let's proceed with it; we are fully in favor," and reiterated Ukraine's urgent need for security assurances from its allies.
This proposal follows earlier remarks by President Trump, who expressed a desire for Ukraine to provide the United States with rare earths and other minerals in exchange for financial backing for its military efforts.
Zelensky also recalled that last autumn, Ukraine had proposed opening its critical minerals sector to investments from allies as part of a "victory plan," aimed at enhancing its negotiating leverage with Moscow.
Furthermore, he indicated that talks are ongoing between Kyiv and the White House regarding the use of Ukraine's ample underground gas storage facilities for U.S. liquefied natural gas, which would position Ukraine as a potential energy hub for Europe.
On the military front, Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces have initiated a new offensive, advancing about one and a half miles into Russia's Kursk region, though Russian officials claimed to have thwarted the attack.
He also mentioned that thousands of North Korean troops, who are fighting alongside Russia, have resumed active combat following a hiatus.
To tackle a shortage of personnel, Ukraine plans to launch recruitment contracts targeting young men aged eighteen to twenty-four.
Zelensky stressed the necessity of meeting President Trump in person before any talks occur between the United States and Russian President Vladimir Putin, arguing that such a meeting is crucial for ensuring Ukraine's interests are upheld.
The proposal and associated discussions arise as Ukraine aims to strengthen its position in advance of forthcoming international gatherings, including the Munich Security Conference set for February fourteenth to sixteenth.
