U.S. and Ukraine Near Deal on Rare Earth Minerals Amid Tensions \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ The U.S. and Ukraine are making progress toward a deal granting the U.S. access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, despite tensions between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Negotiations stalled after Ukraine objected to a lack of security guarantees, but a three-day visit by Trump’s special envoy, Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg, helped advance discussions. Trump, who has criticized Zelenskyy’s war strategy, insists the deal will happen, though Ukraine remains cautious.
U.S.-Ukraine Rare Earth Deal Quick Looks
- Negotiations Advancing: U.S. seeks access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals in exchange for aid
- Tensions Between Leaders: Trump criticized Zelenskyy over the war and negotiations
- Security Guarantees in Question: Ukraine hesitated to sign without clear U.S. security commitments
- Kellogg’s Diplomatic Visit: Trump’s special envoy held talks in Kyiv to finalize the deal
- Trump’s Harsh Rhetoric: Warned Zelenskyy to move fast or risk losing Ukraine
- Russia Talks: U.S. officials met with Putin’s advisers in Saudi Arabia—without Ukraine
- Congressional Response: Some Democrats and Republicans criticized Trump for sidelining Zelenskyy
Deep Look
The United States and Ukraine are moving closer to a strategic agreement that would grant Washington access to Ukraine’s rare earth minerals, despite political friction between President Donald Trump and President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The negotiations, which have faced setbacks over security concerns, saw significant progress during a three-day visit to Kyiv by Trump’s special envoy, retired Lt. Gen. Keith Kellogg.
The talks come amid rising tensions between the two leaders, with Trump criticizing Ukraine’s war strategy and Zelenskyy resisting a rushed deal.
What’s in the U.S.-Ukraine Rare Earth Deal?
Rare earth minerals, a set of 17 critical elements, are essential for technology and defense applications, including cellphones, electric vehicles, and military equipment. Control over these resources has become a global geopolitical issue, with China currently dominating the supply chain.
The proposed U.S.-Ukraine agreement aims to:
- Provide U.S. companies with access to Ukraine’s rare earth mineral reserves
- Strengthen long-term U.S.-Ukraine economic ties
- Potentially use mineral exports as compensation for U.S. aid
However, a major sticking point remains: Ukraine’s demand for security guarantees in exchange for mineral access.
Tensions Between Trump and Zelenskyy Over the Deal
Negotiations faced obstacles after Ukraine rejected a proposal pushed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent during his visit to Kyiv last week. Zelenskyy again objected during a meeting in Munich with Vice President JD Vance, stating that the proposal failed to include security assurances.
Trump, frustrated with the delays, criticized Zelenskyy’s approach, calling Bessent’s visit a “wasted trip.”
“I wanted this deal done already,” Trump said in a Fox News Radio interview.
Zelenskyy, however, maintained a diplomatic tone, stating in his nightly address:
“Our teams are working on a draft agreement that can add value to our relationship. The details must be right to ensure it truly works.”
Kellogg’s Kyiv Visit Helps Restart Negotiations
Despite tensions, progress was made during Kellogg’s three-day trip to Kyiv, where he held meetings with Zelenskyy and senior Ukrainian officials, including:
- Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha
- Rada Speaker Ruslan Stefanchuk
- Other top-ranking Ukrainian officials
Kellogg’s presence was seen as a diplomatic effort to rebuild trust and move the deal forward.
Trump’s National Security Adviser Confident the Deal Will Happen
Speaking at the Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC), Trump’s National Security Adviser Mike Waltz expressed confidence that Zelenskyy will ultimately sign the agreement.
“Here’s the bottom line: President Zelenskyy is going to sign that deal,” Waltz said.
U.S. and Russia Talks Exclude Ukraine
The Ukraine negotiations are happening in parallel with U.S. efforts to engage Russia in peace talks.
- Trump administration officials—including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff—met with Russian officials in Saudi Arabia this week.
- The meeting aimed to explore a possible framework for ending the war.
- Zelenskyy and European allies were not included, sparking criticism.
Zelenskyy publicly objected, saying that Ukraine should be part of any talks that determine its future.
Trump’s Strong Warnings to Zelenskyy
Trump has repeatedly pressured Zelenskyy to strike a deal with Russia, warning that Ukraine risks losing everything if negotiations don’t move quickly.
“He better move fast,” Trump said this week. “Or he won’t have a country left to lead.”
Trump also suggested that Putin holds leverage, stating:
“Putin doesn’t have to make a deal. If he wanted, he could take the whole country.”
Congress Reacts: Bipartisan Concerns Over Trump’s Ukraine Policy
Trump’s tough stance on Ukraine has drawn criticism from both parties in Congress, where support for Ukraine’s defense against Russia remains bipartisan.
- Democrats blasted Trump, accusing him of abandoning an ally and appeasing Russia.
- Some Republicans also voiced concerns, warning that excluding Ukraine from peace talks weakens U.S. influence in the region.
What’s Next for the U.S.-Ukraine Deal?
With negotiations still ongoing, several key questions remain unanswered:
- Will the U.S. offer Ukraine security guarantees in exchange for mineral access?
- How will Ukraine’s stance change as pressure mounts from both Washington and Moscow?
- What role will Russia play in shaping the outcome of U.S.-Ukraine relations?
Despite Trump’s criticisms of Zelenskyy, the rare earth deal remains a priority for both nations, given its economic and strategic significance. As negotiations continue, Ukraine must balance its need for resources and security with its long-term alliance with the U.S.
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